The directive has come from Victorian roads minister Luke Donnellan in response to the lack of consultation about changes to the intersection which businesses have described as a “death trap” in waiting.

“I’ve asked VicRoads to go and meet one on one with traders on McKoy Street to see what we can do to address their concerns,” he said.

The Border Mail has confirmed VicRoads and Wodonga Council both objected to the service station being built near the Hume Freeway.

But the service station developer, United Petroleum, successfully appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on the condition it upgraded the freeway intersection.

VicRoads’ follow-up role was to ensure the designs were safe and met relevant design standards including carrying out a safety audit.

But the developer was under no obligation to conduct community consultation on the changes which were presented to businesses less than a week before work was to start on Monday.

“As the intersection upgrade is being undertaken by the developer as a result of the VCAT decision it has not gone through the usual VicRoads consultation process,” VicRoads regional manager Nicki Kyriakou said.

“We’re working closely with the developer to minimise disruption during the works, and will be monitoring the site while they are undertaken.

“We’re also working with business owners and the contractor to improve signage for drivers wanting to access McKoy Street and to make sure the altered traffic conditions are understood.”

The service station planning application was dealt with under delegation to Wodonga Council planning department staff rather than being presented to an open council meeting.

A council spokeswoman said the plans were available for inspection at the council offices on request.

Member for Benambra Bill Tilley raised the issue in the Victorian parliament late on Thursday.

“Don’t be fooled by the idea that VicRoads consulted you back in November,” he said.

“At that time they were still talking about flyovers as an option knowing full well that this dog’s breakfast of a solution was done and dusted.

“They still have to explain why a developer has to pay for works on the major route between Sydney and Melbourne.

“They still have to fix a system that allows the developer to go full steam ahead and not tell anyone.

“The poor partner in all of this has been the community.”

The Border Mail has contacted the developer for comment.

VicRoads confirmed its initial objection centred on there being no proposed mitigating treatments to address the anticipated extra traffic the development would generate and increase the risk of crashes at the intersection of McKoy Street and the freeway.