A PROJECT that will place powerlines in Maldon's CBD underground will take six months to complete.
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Work on the project has begun with crews planning to minimise disruptions to businesses, residents and the 19th-century heritage streetscapes.
The first stage of works be on the town centre's northern side along Fountain, High and Francis streets. Works will move to Templeton Street in December.
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It is expected works will start on the southern end of High Street as well as Dolphin, Main and Francis streets in 2021. Hours of work will be between Mondays and Thursdays from 8am to 4pm.
The project does not include planned outages in November and December.
The coordination of the stages between the Mount Alexander Shire and Powercor is expected to minimise the impact on businesses during December and Christmas.
Council infrastructure executive manager Tanya Goddard said there are a number of benefits of the project.
"It's been a challenging year for local business and we don't want to impact this any further," she said.
"Moving powerlines underground improves the amenity of Maldon's heritage streetscape. (It) also reduces the risk of power outages resulting from extreme weather and bushfire."
Powercor will lead these works on behalf of Council and has engaged a local contractor to undertake the day-to-day activities.
Tarrengower ward councillor Stephen Gardener said underground powerlines had been a community wish since the 1990s.
"The original electricity infrastructure was installed in the 1940s," he said. "(This has) been a community wish for over 30 years... I am excited to see this delivered," he said.
