Essential Road and Drainage Upgrades for Bellingen Town Centre

Published on 12 March 2025

Transport for NSW (Transport) and Bellingen Shire Council are partnering to deliver vital road and drainage improvements in Bellingen’s town centre. This coordinated project will enhance road conditions, improve drainage infrastructure, and boost pedestrian safety.

As part of routine road maintenance and asset management, Transport will be carrying out asphalt resurfacing on Hyde Street and, in conjunction with the road upgrades, Bellingen Shire Council will be undertaking a series of infrastructure improvements.

Scope of Works:

• Conduct utility services investigation at the Hyde Street and Church Street intersection in preparation for planned drainage works.
• Stormwater drainage improvements between IGA and Church Street intersection to address surface water flows at the pedestrian crossing near IGA.
• Resurfacing Hyde Street from Prince Street (Yellow Shed) to the Coronation Street (War Memorial Statue) intersection.
• Resurfacing asphalt in car parking bays to align with the newly resurfaced running lanes.
• Resurfacing Short Street Lane for improved road conditions and longevity and restoring line marking over resurfaced areas.

To ensure minimal disruption, Council is managing the entire project, scheduling the drainage upgrades first, followed by road resurfacing, in a coordinated effort to deliver these essential works efficiently.

Location of work area

What to Expect

Impacts on Residents & Businesses

• Construction noise: Temporary noise may be experienced by nearby residents and businesses. We are spreading out the work within the work area to minimise continuous noise and vibration in one area.
• Traffic Control: Hyde Street will be reduced to one lane during works, with traffic controllers in place.
• Parking Restrictions: Temporary restrictions will apply in designated sections according to the work schedule.

Work Schedule

The works will be completed in stages over approximately ten 12-hour shifts from 6pm to 6am, with night works planned to reduce daytime disruptions to traffic and businesses.

 Current work schedule:

• From Sunday 30 March, drainage work will be carried out on Hyde Street between Coronation Street and Church Street, over three-night shifts, weather permitting.
• From Sunday 6 April, pavement work will be carried out on Hyde Street between Short Street Lane and Prince Street, over five night shifts, weather permitting.
• From Sunday 13 April, line marking of the new asphalt pavement on Short Street Lane will take place over three evening shifts, weather permitting.
• Night Works: All work will take place overnight to limit daytime disruptions.

Please note: In the wake of Ex Tropical Cyclone Albert, as we assess the impacts to our infrastructure and Transport for NSW assess their priorities, the work schedule is subject to change.

To ensure the project is ready for the drainage work, investigation works will take place on Monday 17 March at the corner of Hyde Street and Church Street over one night shift. This will allow Council to assess site conditions and confirm preparations for the drainage upgrades. Traffic control will be in place to manage the contained work area, and disruptions will be kept to a minimum. The works will follow a staged approach, with drainage works completed first, followed by road resurfacing. A brief pause between these phases will provide businesses and residents with some reprieve before the next stage begins.

Community Consultation & Updates

To keep residents, businesses, and visitors informed, Bellingen Shire Council and Transport will undertake a range of engagement activities, including:

• Face-to-Face Consultation: Direct contact with affected businesses and residents.
• Notification Letters: Distribution of work schedules and expected impacts.
• Roadside Digital Signage: Displaying key dates and work times.
• Parking & Traffic Signage: Clear guidance on temporary changes during construction.
• Online Updates: Regular updates via Council’s website and social media channels.