THE long-awaited Wagga Road upgrade in Lavington will miss its Christmas completion date with the project to stretch into the new year.
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The stage one improvements from the Five Ways to Kaylock Road have been on the drawing board for almost two years with a $2.06 million tender for the works awarded mid-year.
Albury Council allowed 16 weeks for the job, but has confirmed the works won't be fully completed until February.
Confirmation of the delay has upset Wagga Road businesses which have been frustrated at access issues for customers since the works commenced
PETstock owner Shane Evans said his expectation was the works would be completed by Christmas.
"It is frustrating," he said.
"If it's going to drag on that long it is going to have more impact than it already has.
"December through holiday period is our busiest time and if there is interruptions to parking it is going to muck us around big time.
"It is all about accessibility to the shop."
Works include resealing about 750 metres of the road, creation of centre islands with kerb landscaping, trees, footpaths and piped drainage.
The centre median strip is being broken in four spots to allow for easier movement of local traffic.
Albury mayor Henk van de Ven confirmed the delay.
"Much needed work to improve Wagga Road is proceeding well," Cr van de Ven said.
"Some issues with the existing pavement have caused unexpected delays and the improvements are now expected to be finished in February.
"Traffic control will be reduced to a minimum over Christmas and New Year to cause as little interruption as possible for traders.
"The centre medians, the footpath and about half of the kerb have been replaced to date.
"After Christmas, the remainder of the kerb sections will be replaced, tree pits installed, landscaping finalised and sealing completed."
Late last year the $1.8 million Kiewa Street upgrade was completed ahead of schedule due to favourable dry weather conditions.
