The Mortdale main street upgrade has officially concluded, with Morts Road reopening to full traffic and pedestrian access following 18 months of construction that tested the patience of local businesses and residents alike.

The $6.8 million project, funded jointly by Georges River Council and the NSW Government, has transformed the tired shopping strip into a modern, accessible precinct designed to attract visitors and support local retailers.

What’s Changed

The transformation is immediately visible:

Wider Footpaths Footpath width has increased from 2 metres to 4 metres on both sides of Morts Road between the railway line and Pitt Street. The extra space accommodates outdoor dining, pedestrian flow, and accessibility requirements.

New Street Furniture Custom-designed benches, bins, and planter boxes now line the street, incorporating weather-resistant materials and a cohesive design aesthetic. Mature trees have been planted at regular intervals, providing shade that will improve as they grow.

Improved Accessibility All kerb ramps now meet current accessibility standards, with tactile ground surface indicators throughout. Two new accessible parking spaces have been created near the railway crossing.

Underground Infrastructure Beneath the surface, ageing stormwater drains have been replaced, reducing the flooding that previously affected the strip during heavy rain. New underground power conduits allow for future infrastructure upgrades without further disruption.

Smart Features Solar-powered smart bins compact waste automatically, reducing collection frequency. Free public WiFi now covers the entire strip, and digital wayfinding signs provide real-time train information.

Business Response

Local traders endured significant hardship during construction, with many reporting revenue drops of 30-40% during the worst periods. Council provided rate relief and marketing support, but some businesses didn’t survive.

“We lost three shops during construction,” acknowledged Georges River Council Mayor Kevin Lin. “That’s three families whose livelihoods were affected. We don’t take that lightly.”

However, surviving businesses are cautiously optimistic about the future.

“It was brutal, honestly,” said Maria Stavros, owner of Mortdale Pharmacy for 22 years. “But now that I see the finished product, I understand why it had to happen. The street looks beautiful. People are already commenting.”

Chen’s Fresh Fruit Market owner David Chen noticed increased foot traffic within the first week. “People are stopping to sit, have a coffee, browse the shops. Before, they’d rush through. Now they’re lingering.”

Reopening Celebrations

Council is marking the completion with a month of festivities:

• November 15: Official reopening ceremony, 10am
• November 15-16: Street party with live music, 11am-3pm
• November weekends: Local market featuring Mortdale businesses
• November 30: Late-night shopping event until 9pm

All Mortdale businesses will participate in a “Shop Local” promotion offering discounts to residents throughout November.

Looking Forward

Council has committed to ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the upgraded street, with a review scheduled for 12 months post-completion. Any issues identified during the review will be addressed under the project’s defects liability period.

“This is just the beginning for Mortdale,” Mayor Lin said. “We’ve created a foundation that businesses and the community can build on for decades.”

The upgrade follows similar successful projects in Hurstville and Kogarah, with Beverly Hills scheduled for improvement works beginning in 2027.