Emily Chapman Laing
After five weeks of mayhem, the Thompsons Road section of the Narre Warren Cranbourne Road upgrade is finally complete.
However, the roadworks saga in Cranbourne and Clyde North is far from over for embattled local businesses.
Just a short distance away, another set of road closures have been causing hell for businesses at Selandra Rise Shopping Centre.
Billionaire Lotto, which sold a Division 1 winning ticket in February, has seen revenue decreases nearing 40 per cent since the works began in February 2022.
“They initially said the road will be open in the month of November,” said Mary of Billionaire Lotto.
“And we thought, okay [in] December, we can at least [be open for Christmas].
“Christmas is the busiest period for all of us, but it wasn’t [open], and now I’ve come to know that it’s going to open [in] April-May, which is ridiculous.
“[Our] landlord won’t stop asking us for the rent, and we have to pay all of the bills.”
Other businesses are falling behind in their profits too.
Selandra Rise TSG Owner Steven Chivers has seen similar drops in revenue, losing around 40-50 per cent since the roadworks began last year.
“What amazed me most is the time factor it took them to do Thompsons Road,” Mr Chivers said.
“They’ve done that in six weeks. We’ve been 14 months and this thing still isn’t done.”
“[The closure] really has had a huge impact on us. You didn’t get any of the locals coming in.
“You sort of think, Jesus Christ, get this thing done! It’s just an absolute nightmare.”
Mr Chivers said he had heard the local council was involved in disputes over the power poles.
Trevor Griffin, City of Casey manager city design and construction said the delay comes from Melbourne Water, which has not yet granted approval for the creation of an easement on their land.
“This easement will enable the installation of underground electrical cabling and an electrical cabinet adjacent to the road reserve,” Mr Griffin said.
“Council has been pursuing Melbourne Water for many months now, and without this approval, existing overhead electrical wires and poles in Hardys Road cannot be relocated.
“The delay has also resulted in Ausnet not being able to progress their electrical works, which requires a six week lead-time before they are able to commence.
The existing electrical poles are in the way of pavement and kerb construction, and of the new positions of lighting poles.
“Once the existing electric poles have been removed, the road contractor will need to make arrangements to complete the remaining works, including final asphalt surfacing on Berwick-Cranbourne Road.
“To assist with traffic flow, drivers will be able to turn left in and left out of Linsell Boulevard by late April/early May, however, due to the ongoing delay obtaining the easement approval, the Hardys Road side of the intersection may not be fully opened until late June.
“We are working with all partners and agencies to get the works completed as soon as possible.”
After re-opening on Monday 20 February, drivers at the new Thompsons Road upgrade were met with some changes in how they navigate what had long been a roundabout.
Major Road Projects Victoria (MPRV) have installed traffic signals, along with extra traffic lanes at all approaches which will improve travel times.
Left-turn slip lanes have also been added to improve the flow of traffic.
Finally, pedestrian lines have been placed on all corners of the intersection.
The completion of this project relieves pressure from local businesses who were impacted by the closures.
However, MRPV is continuing with the next phases of the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road upgrade, which will affect many areas including Kingdom Drive, Spirit Boulevard, Linsell Boulevard, Rochester Parade, Thompsons Road and the South Gippsland Highway, Majestic Boulevard, Lyall Street and Hunt Club Boulevard.
MRPV is beginning with the Majestic Boulevard/Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road intersection, with works set to be completed in early March.
Spirit Boulevard between Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road and Marshy Avenue was set to be closed from Sunday 26 February, reopening mid-April 2023.
