IT’S official.
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Junction Court was opened to traffic by council and nearby business owners on Saturday morning.
Neatly prepped and cleaned, the new asphalt surface and 25,000 silver tactile surface indicators twinkled, ready by 10.30am for the first car to drive through the court in 20 years – a red, vintage mini.
Shoalhaven City Council director of assets works Ben Stewart said the area was of great benefit to the entire community, even more so now.
“We have already had some great comments today,” he said.
“This area will still be used for community events like market days and as a meeting space for the community.
“I’d like to thank business owners and the community on behalf of council for their patience.
“This is a really good end result.”
Mr Stewart invited business owners Anne Snow from Anne’s Second Hand Book Shop and Deb Trink from Nowra Village Hot Bake to cut the red ribbon and declare the surface open to traffic.
Ms Snow said her business nearly went broke with the length of time the conversion took, but she is excited by the end result.
“I’m glad to see it finished.”
Ms Trink said she thought the idea of opening the court up to traffic was a fabulous idea.
“Getting the work done was noisy, but I think it’s worth it.”
Just after Junction Court was opened cars began to test the new one-way street.
Some onlookers said some cars drove too quickly.
Workers stayed by the Kinghorne Street entrance to Junction Court to remind pedestrians this was now a shared space.
One pedestrian was seen walking directly in front of a car driving through the one-way street, despite warnings.
Pedestrians are reminded to keep an eye out for cars travelling through Junction Court.
Bollards will be installed to close Junction Court from traffic during events.