SOUTH Street could be re-opened as early as Tuesday as the latest central Wodonga roadworks enter their second month.
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But pending completion of the first milestone in the project has come too late for one High Street trader.
The Butcher’s Hook & Cleaver has shut its doors until the roadworks in front of the shop are completed.
“There have been some very loyal customers (who) have battled to get to us,” the shops’s Facebook page said.
“But unfortunately the numbers are getting less and less.
“We hope you all understand why we are doing this.
“We will return bigger and better.”
Another two businesses on the eastern side of High Street have reduced their hours due to the roadworks.
A shop operator on the opposite side of the street, who wished not to be identified, said he had reluctantly stayed open.
“What choice do I have?” he said.
“I still need to pay the rent so whatever trade I can get helps.
“But it is definitely frustrating and can’t end soon enough.”
Business Wodonga chairman Graham Jenkin said: “It is disappointing Wodonga people aren’t prepared to walk for two or three minutes to support these businesses.”
The intersection of South and High streets has been shut since mid-January with the target for completion inside the first month of works being narrowly missed.
The overall project timeline remains unchanged
- Wodonga Council director Leon Schultz
Wodonga Council’s planning and infrastructure director Leon Schultz confirmed the “small extension” on the South-High streets intersection works.
“The intersection works are progressing well. All the inground infrastructure for the traffic signals has been upgraded, which has led to a small extension of these works,” he said.
“However, on present progress the intersection should open early next week, subject to weather.
“The overall project timeline remains unchanged.”
The section between South and Bond streets is expected to take 12 weeks to be upgraded.
A further stretch between Sesame Lane and the water tower will be repaired next financial year with tender documents for the latter stage being released in coming weeks.
“Crews have made good progress in High St in the first four weeks,” Mr Schultz said.
“Works will now focus on completing the underground services and preparing the road surface.”
