Warrnambool City Council said a “significant milestone” of the city centre renewal was approaching, with Liebig Street between Koroit Street and Raglan Parade expected to reopen.

City infrastructure director Scott Cavanagh said this would be one of the final major construction steps to be completed before works shifted primarily to the eastern side of the street.

“I would like to stress that the road surface laid in July will not be the final surface,” Mr Cavanagh said.

“In order to achieve an even and consistent finish, the final topcoat of asphalt will be applied to both sides of Liebig Street at the conclusion of works later this year.

“The surface will be trafficable, though there may be lips, pooling or other imperfections which will be resolved once the final topcoat is applied.

“With the bluestone kerbing installed, most of the paving complete, the new trees planted and northbound traffic to resume soon, visitors to the city centre can begin to get an impression of what the completed streetscape will look like and how it will function.”

Weather permitting, sub-contractor Fulton Hogan will pour the structural asphalt layer on behalf of construction company 2Construct along the 350m stretch of Liebig Street on July 24 and 25.

On-street parking on the western side of Liebig Street will also resume, with temporary bays to be marked out.