Targeted improvements are planned for Te Puke’s main street, including the removal of eight trees.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council said most of the work is scheduled for next year.

The project will see sections of median planting along Jellicoe St removed and replaced with lawn, a council statement said.

The work follows community feedback about overgrown vegetation affecting sightlines at intersections, roundabouts and pedestrian crossings, as well as concerns about the long-term upkeep of some planted areas.

Te Puke-Eastern Community Board chair Dale Snell said the changes were about ensuring the town’s main street remained attractive, safe and welcoming while keeping maintenance costs manageable.

“Since the town centre upgrade in 2017, the gardens have played an important role in transforming the look and feel of Te Puke, but some areas have become increasingly difficult to keep tidy,” Snell said.

“Maintaining the gardens to the standard the community expects requires ongoing pruning, weed control, irrigation, plant renewal and mulching, and the cost of this has grown beyond what can realistically be delivered within existing budgets.

“The main street is at the heart of Te Puke and one of the first things people see when they visit. It’s important that it feels safe, welcoming and well cared for, while continuing to reflect the character of our community.”

Dale Snell. Photo / Supplied

The streetscape improvement project is being funded by the board, while council will cover the cost of initial maintenance and safety work through existing budgets.

Most of the work is scheduled for next autumn, when conditions are considered more suitable for establishing grass. However, preparatory work and immediate safety improvements will begin this month.

The project covers selected garden beds, roundabouts and planted areas along Jellicoe St.

Some vegetation will be removed and replaced with grass, while other areas will be replanted, trimmed or refreshed. Minor concrete upgrades will also be carried out to address trip hazards and safety concerns.

Work this month includes removing some shrubs from roundabouts, pruning trees and removing dead branches from large trees in the central median strip, and replacing two small, barked areas with concrete.

Eight trees at 11 Jellicoe St, at the western end of the town centre, will also be removed after being identified as a risk to pedestrians and traffic.

Council said this work was separate from the streetscape project but would be completed at the same time to avoid additional disruption later.

Council transportation director Calum McLean said the programme had been staged to minimise disruption.

“We know these works will cause some inconvenience, particularly for businesses and people travelling through the town centre. By completing the work in stages, including some overnight activities, we’re aiming to minimise disruption while getting the improvements completed as quickly and safely as possible,” McLean said.

“Maintaining access to businesses is a priority. Pedestrian access will remain available during business hours wherever possible, although temporary restrictions may be necessary when work is taking place immediately beside a property entrance.”

Temporary road closures, lane restrictions and traffic management will be required to carry out the work safely. Electronic message boards will be placed at either end of the town to provide advance notice of traffic changes.

Planned traffic impacts include shoulder and lane closures at 11 Jellicoe St, overnight road closures between Boucher Avenue and Oxford St, and key dates, times and traffic arrangements.

Friday, November 13, 6am – 6pm, shoulder closed at 11 Jellicoe St, with pedestrian management

Sunday, November 15, 6am – 6pm, lane closures at 11 Jellicoe St, major delays expected, please avoid the area if possible

Wednesday, November 18, 9pm – 5am, road closure overnight between Boucher Avenue and Oxford St, with detours in place

Thursday, November 19, 9pm – 5am, overnight road closure between Boucher Avenue and Oxford St with detours in place

Sunday, November 22, 6am – 6pm, lane closures at 11 Jellicoe St, major delays expected, please avoid the area if possible

Tuesday, November 24, 9pm – 5am, overnight lane closures at the Jocelyn St roundabout, with detours in place

Dates and times may be subject to change because of weather, site conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

During the works, people may notice:

Temporary road closures and detours

Lane restrictions and Stop/Go traffic management

Temporary loss of some on-street parking

Changes to vehicle and pedestrian movements

Noise from chainsaws, woodchippers and other maintenance equipment

Please follow the directions of the traffic management and tree crews while moving through or around the work areas. Overnight lane closures at the Jocelyn St roundabout.

Council has advised that dates may change depending on weather or site conditions.