Stage 1 of the Birkenhead Main Street Project got underway this week and stage 2 will begin from Sunday evening and continue until early July.
The project will provide wider footpaths, more seating, more planting and improved public open space, including a new seating area under the Norfolk Pine (which has been saved).
The project is divided into 6 stages and is estimated to take 6 months to complete.

Stage 1 (underway now) includes:
* Clear and remove existing traffic islands.
* Remove some of the existing palm trees. During construction our Arborist will monitor the remaining trees to ensure they remain undisturbed.
* Temporarily replace islands with asphalt surface and line marking to ensure intersection safety

Stage 2 (beginning Sunday evening) includes:
* Installation of the new kerb alignment beneath the existing Norfolk Pine.
* Realignment of the stone wall (island) along the middle of Birkenhead Avenue.
* Below ground stormwater upgrade.
* Removal of the existing tree, concrete planter and seat next to the pedestrian crossing (outside Birkenhead Health Plus Pharmacy) for an additional carpark in the final design. These works will be carried out during day light hours.

Stage 2 traffic management:
We will be required to close the southbound lane of Birkenhead Avenue from Onewa Road to the Hinemoa Street roundabout to undertake critical road works.
Due to high volumes of vehicular traffic, the lane closure will initially be off-peak from 7pm to 5am from Sunday through to Thursday during this stage.
During these lane closures, there will be a vehicle detour in place.