Much of Monaro Street will be closed to traffic for half of 2026. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
Queanbeyan’s main thoroughfare will be closed for a $17 million makeover.
For six months from 12 March, Monaro Street will be shut to vehicle traffic from the Lowe Street intersection to the Atkinson Street roundabout.
Pedestrian access will remain along both sides of Monaro Street.
The closure will allow for the replacement of the road surface, upgrades to underground infrastructure, new-look footpaths and lowered gutter heights.
The existing travel lanes and parking will keep their layout.
For publican and president of the Queanbeyan Business Chamber Anthony McDonald, it represents the start of long-awaited works.
“We’ve known about it for a couple of years now, so I think everybody has prepped themselves for this start date. … I think we’ve got to get on with it.
“The worst thing that could happen is that it was further delayed and we run into Christmas this year, where the project’s still going. That would be a bit of a disaster.”
Planning work began several years ago, with the process including the release of initial concept designs in July 2021.
A modified version of the designs was adopted by councillors at a meeting last year.
By August 2025, a Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) spokesperson said they were just waiting on the final approvals for the project before they could start construction.
Mayor Kenrick Winchester said the council had initially been planning for a partial closure, but backed down from the idea.
“We were considering a plan to do one lane at a time, but this would have meant a construction time of at least 18 months,” he said.
“We have worked with businesses and Transport for NSW, and we all agree that closing the road and reducing the amount of construction time is the way to go.”
Mr McDonald welcomed news of the shorter closure, saying it was preferable to “a prolonged disturbance” that would impact business trade and turn people away from Queanbeyan’s CBD.
He pointed to the roadworks in Canberra’s city centre, where major infrastructure upgrades left a maze for residents and commuters to navigate.
“The greatest concern is we get an outcome a bit like Canberra City, where it’s just too messy and people are just not going out.
“We’re [closing] for only six months. … I’m hopeful that with proper communication and with the strength of the community, the community will get behind those businesses that are doing it a little bit tough.”
He also said the chamber was set to meet with QPRC to discuss its impact on businesses and to get further information on the construction schedule.
Mayor Winchester said the project would improve the “safety, accessibility, and aesthetic” of Queanbeyan’s CBD.
He said the Monaro Street Refresh project, along with facade renovations through the Shop Front Improvement Program and the planned Queanbeyan Leagues Club redevelopment, was part of revitalisation efforts for the main street.
“For many years, the community has identified this as a key priority. … The Monaro Street Upgrade isn’t just about fixing the road, it’s about investing in the future of our community.”
While the council is expected to release further details around its traffic management plan soon, some travel tips have been released in a QPRC information sheet.
Motorists are asked to use Lowe, Collett, Rutledge or Morisset streets to navigate the CBD area.
The council suggests that residents park in the carparks in Lowe, Rutledge, Morisset, Crawford and Collett streets.
During the closure, the council will continue a business support package for impacted businesses.
The project is funded by the NSW Government and council.
According to council’s website, the Monaro Street Refresh project has a value of $17,250,000.
