Work has finally started at the Hot Springs following an almost two-year standstill.
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The long delayed works were not expected to start until August, after the tourist season.
But following a recent tender process, which awarded the controversial project to Darwin based civil engineering company DAC Enterprises, the Hot Springs have been transformed into a construction zone.
Residents and tourists are being diverted to the far entrance beyond the Pop Rocket Cafe, as workers commence repairs.
The $2 million upgrade, when first announced in April, 2016 was initially to be completed by the end of that year.
But due to erosion issues, some parts will have to be ripped up to start again.
According to plans released as part of the tender, an already completed footpath will need to be demolished and poured again.
There will be lots more rock baskets, and gabions will be removed and later replaced while deep footings are constructed to stabilise the eroded river bank.
The third tier on the slope is expected to be reconstructed with the addition of trees.
Construction fences have been a feature of the river bank for almost three years.
Council documents state the project is planned to be finished by the end of this year.
"Council believes it has adopted and incorporated a responsible approach to the long awaited panacea," the documents say.
"Despite construction works occurring, council is happy to confirm that swimming will not be affected during this time, however, alternate routes will need to be taken.
"Katherine Town Council requests the community's cooperation and understanding during this time and requests that all alternative access signage is adhered to."
The costly project has left some in the community concerned rate payers would be left to pick up the bill.
But in a media announcement in June, Katherine Town Council stated: "Council would like to reassure the Katherine community that no ratepayers money will be spent on the rectification of the Hot Springs.
"Rectification works are planned for 2019 and as stated there are no general funds allocated as published in the capital works program for the same period."
The project has been funded by the NT Government.
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