CHRISTMAS will come early for Wedderburn residents, with underground power expected to be connected early this month.
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Work on the installation of underground powerlines has been progressing rapidly since the start of work on the multi-stage $2.4 million Wedderburn Streetscape Project.
Loddon Shire Mayor Neil Beattie said the crew from civil contractors McClures had been busy excavating pits along High Street ready for the installation of conduits followed by electrical cable.
"More recently, Powercor has been in town and appears on track to finish joining cables in the pits by the end of November and then livening up in early December," he said.
"The final step in having new underground power up and running will see Stahl Electrical workers connecting cables to all residences and businesses, ready to power High Street up in a brand new fashion in time for Christmas.
"Existing overhead power lines and street lights will remain in place over the festive season, before being retired and replaced by new street lights from mid to late January."
The second-stage of the project is scheduled to start in February and will focus on streetscape improvements to footpaths, kerbs and channels, drainage, paving, street lighting and car parking.
This will be followed by extensive landscaping works throughout the town between July and September.
The streetscape project was given the go-ahead in May after councillors voted to contribute an extra $585,000.
It brought the council's total contribution to $1.84m, with the State Government chipping in $500,000.
The Wedderburn project is the first of five streetscape programs planned across Loddon Shire over the next few years.