Stage one of the upgrade is under way and includes building a new road surface and raised central medians between Kirily Court and Willman Court.

Powerlines will also begin to be moved underground in the coming weeks, with the first stage expected to be complete by November.

VicRoads regional director Mal Kersting said the service relocations were very complex.

“This is a very significant project – by VicRoads standards, one of the most complex urban jobs we’ve had in Bendigo for many, many years,” he said.

“It will involve some level of disruption and we’ll certainly do our best to try to keep that to a minimum.”

WATCH: A detailed walk-through of the Napier Street upgrade map with VicRoads projects team leader Jim Forge.

Vehicles will continue to be able to travel along the busy corridor, and VicRoads will work to maintain property and business access throughout.

“There will be some disruptions – we’ll certainly try to keep that to a minimum but importantly we want people to just take a bit of extra care,” Mr Kersting said. 

“We’ll have a lot of workers in and around this site – safety is really paramount for us.”

The $30.4 million upgrade will see an additional traffic lane in each direction along the 2.7km stretch of Napier Street between Weeroona Avenue and Hall Street.

Dedicated 2.3-metre wide bike lanes will also be introduced as will a raised central median, boulevard of street trees, new traffic lights at Scott Street and a new pedestrian traffic light crossing near Grace Street.

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the major upgrade would improve safety, reduce congestion and cut travel times.

“Once this project is completed it will become a fantastic boulevard,” she said.

“It’s going to be a road that is going to be able to carry traffic into the future, and look good at the same time.”

READ: July 2017 VicRoads update for the Napier Street upgrade