The Invercargill City Council is set to begin work on its City Streets Upgrade next month.
The aim of the project, now in the first stage in Don and Esk Sts, is to create a more vibrant city where people want to stay, shop and explore while improving connectivity between developments.
Council chief executive Clare Hadley said the pain for the gain was what people were focused on.
"People really understand we have a big job to do and not a lot of time to do it in."
She said business owners were apprehensive.
Parts of Don St and all of Esk St will be closed to traffic from late August, however pedestrian access will be maintained to all businesses.
Roading manager Russell Pearson said work in Don St would be
complete by July next year, while Esk St would take until November 2022.
‘‘By closing Esk St for the duration of the works, we will be able to ensure the safety of contractors and the public, while also keeping work moving as quickly as possible.’’
Downer staff would liaise with business owners throughout the project, including with co-ordinating deliveries.
