William and Sampson streets next footpaths for upgrade

2 Nov 2017

A mixed industrial and residential area in William Street is the next location for a footpath upgrade, as Orange City Council’s footpath program continues.

Work began in August on the $1.4 million, four year project. Since then work has been completed in five locations.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said it’s good to be seeing damaged asphalt footpaths replaced with new concrete paths.

“The concrete footpaths are more expensive than hot mix asphalt but they have a much longer life-span, are more easily maintained and will handle the pressure from tree roots better,” Cr Reg Kidd said.

“It’s important that the council has given footpaths a funding priority, and it’s important that crews are getting on with the work. We’re half-way through the list of footpath projects planned for this year.”

“There’s going to be some short-term inconvenience for residents and businesses, but council staff have been door-to-door, talking with business operators and residents about what we can to minimise disruption.”

FOOTPATH : Orange City Council’s Infrastructure Committee chair Cr Sam Romano , pictured at the site of Orange’s newest footpaths in Williams St, takes a close look at a ‘hinge’ being installed in new paths to deal with potential damage from tree roots.

Orange City Council’s Infrastructure Committee chair, Cr Sam Romano said the concrete paths are being built to last.

“Even in a business area like William Street, one of the big problems for footpaths has been the impact of tree roots. We’re using technology, which allows each slab of concrete path to move with the growing tree roots over time,” Cr Sam Romano said.

“A hinge is placed between the slabs which allows each to move, reducing the chance of cracks and trip edges forming.”

Work began earlier this week on a 140 metre section of William Street between Byng and March Streets. Work is also about to begin Sampson between Moulder St and National Ave.

New footpaths have been constructed in :

• Sampson Street – Kite Street to Moulder Street (landscaping to be completed)
• Sampson Street – Lamrock Avenue to National Avenue (landscaping to be completed)
• Lords Place – Moulder Street to Torpy Place
• Moulder St – Kenna to Woodward St
• Anson Street – Anson Street School to TAFE