A RECENT prediction made by Wodonga's mayor on radio about the High Street roadworks being completed by early May has proved wide of the mark.
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Cr Anna Speedie's optimism was aired in mid-April despite earlier confirmation from council the final section of the works at the southern end of High Street was not due for completion until late May.
Business Wodonga chairman Graham Jenkin, who heard the 2AY radio interview, said pain for businesses associated with the roadworks was almost over.
"The council has told me today the road will be sealed in the middle of May and works completed largely by the end of May," he said.
"Then the road will re-open sometime in the first two weeks of June at the latest.
"It is despite the mayor indicating on radio that it would be completed in a couple of weeks about a fortnight ago."
He declined to comment further on Cr Speedie's High Street early completion prediction, but confirmed it was discussed at a Business Wodonga board meeting.
A council spokeswoman said the mayor's recollection of the interview was it would be a "few weeks until the road was opened and a few more until completion".
Meanwhile, the council once again confirmed the civil works late May completion date on the proviso there were no disruptions due to weather.
Contractors Excell Gray Bruni have had a dream run with weather since the commencement of the works in January.
But significant rainfalls of up to 45mm are predicted this week and may delay works.
Wodonga's planning and infrastructure director Leon Schultz said the project was at a "critical juncture".
"The civil works always had a completion date at the end of May, subject to the weather," he said.
"There will be landscaping that will continue following those works.
"We are at a critical juncture in the works with the concreting of the centre median ahead of the road base and asphalting works which are scheduled for mid-May.
"This will be followed by the centre median paving and landscaping.
"Depending on the amount and timing of rain forecast for this week, and any further rain that might occur between now and the completion of the project, vehicles are likely to return to the road between the end of May and the first two weeks of June."
