What’s happening?
Work on the Perth Street Culvert Upgrade will resume on Monday, 13 July 2026, following Toowoomba Regional Council’s approval from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
Construction was paused in late April when timber elements were uncovered about one metre below the concrete floor of Lake Annand. Council stopped work and notified the department, as required under heritage legislation.
The department has now approved the progressive removal of the archaeological feature while a detailed assessment and recording process continues. A preliminary review found the timber may have formed part of a 19th-century creek crossing.
Because of the delay, the project is now expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.
Why it matters?
The project will replace the ageing culvert on Perth Street, between Kitchener and Mackenzie streets, with a larger structure designed to handle severe weather more effectively.
TRC Construction and Maintenance portfolio spokesperson Cr Carol Taylor said the upgrade would strengthen the local road network and improve safety across the area.
“The project, located on Perth Street between Kitchener and Mackenzie Streets, will replace the existing, ageing culvert with a modern, higher-capacity structure designed to better withstand severe weather events,” Cr Taylor said.
She said the new structure would also improve flood immunity and provide more reliable access for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and nearby residents.
Local Impact
Road closures and detours will begin when work resumes on 13 July and are expected to remain until late March 2027.
Kitchener Street will be closed to through traffic between Ramsay Street and the intersection of Perth and Kitchener streets. Local access will remain available for residents and visitors travelling to Willows Health & Fitness Centre.
Perth Street will also close between Kitchener Street and Mackenzie Street, with traffic controllers and signs in place to guide road users through the changed conditions.
Cr Taylor said minor delays were likely during construction and asked drivers to allow more time when travelling through the area.
“Road users might experience minor delays during the construction period and are encouraged to plan trips, allow extra travel time and follow all signage and directions from traffic controllers,” she said.
By the numbers
- $4 million has been allocated to replace the culvert and improve flood resilience around Perth Street.
- $3.35 million is being provided by the Australian Government through the Flood Recovery and Resilience Package.
- $650,000 will be contributed by Toowoomba Regional Council.
Zoom In
The timber discovery added a heritage assessment to the construction schedule and required Council to stop work until approval was granted.
Council is now completing a detailed record of the elements before they are progressively removed from the site.
The early assessment suggests the timber may be linked to a creek crossing used during the 19th century, although no further details have been confirmed.
Construction will generally take place on weekdays, with some weekend and night work possible when required.
Cr Taylor said Council would try to reduce disruption while the project continued.
“Council will work to minimise disruption where possible and thanks the community for its patience and cooperation during this important upgrade,” she said.
Zoom Out
The Perth Street project is part of wider flood recovery and resilience work funded through the Emergency Response Fund.
The upgrade is intended to reduce future flood risks while improving access through the Lake Annand area.
Although the heritage discovery delayed construction, the approval allows work to move forward while the archaeological feature is documented and removed.
What To Look For Next?
Residents and road users can expect changed traffic conditions around Perth, Kitchener, Mackenzie and Ramsay streets starting 13 July.
The closures are planned to remain until late March 2027, with the full project now due for completion in the first quarter of 2027.
Further Council updates may follow if weather, construction conditions or heritage work affect access or the revised schedule.
