A $10.5 million road upgrade in Australia has left drivers bemused with a new road that locals have labelled a ‘shemozzle’.
The upgrade, which was designed to improve traffic flow, has drivers confused by a continuous turning lane for cars travelling in either direction, Herald Sun has reported.
The Melbourne road upgrade also sees power poles awkwardly placed in the middle of footpaths.
VicRoads have stated the benefits of the upgrade – a 50km/h speed limit, a truck ban, pedestrian lights and refugee island, raised intersections, new walking and cycling paths, better draining, more public lighting, new landscaping features – were implemented for greater safety.
Locals are frustrated after a $10.5million Melbourne Road upgrade introduced confusing road rules and signage (pictured)
The road, Bolton Street (pictured), was upgraded to improve traffic flow and congestion
Local chicken shop owner, Jerry Mustafa, said that drivers are ‘bamboozled’ by the Bolton St upgrade as many drivers are unsure when and how to use the lane, sometimes finding themselves facing oncoming traffic.
‘I hear it every day from customers,’ he said.
‘They are confused and bewildered and think (the upgrade) is a complete waste of money.’
The VicRoads website lists the benefits of the road upgrade stating, ‘Bolton Street is now safer and more efficient, allowing the more than 18,000 drivers who use it daily to get to their homes quicker. The upgrade provides better access to shops and stress-free journeys ferrying children to after school activities.’
Local businesses (pictured) believe the upgrades have lost them thousands of dollars in business
This rings differently to the account of Mr Mustafa, who said the road upgrade has left many local businesses unhappy as they lost thousands of dollars during the roads lengthy construction.
The outcome, not worth the wait.
‘You feel like you have been robbed, especially when you see the outcome,’ Mr Mustafa said.
The pricey road upgrade has been supported by government officials as VicRoads’ Vince Punaro believes the revamp will improve traffic congestion.
Roads Minister Luke Donnellan acknowledged that it would take time to get used to the road changes but the outcome would be beneficial.
‘The new median turning lanes will keep traffic moving and will ensure travel through the area is safe and reliable,’ he said.
The confusing road and signage are not the only changes causing a stir. Power polls have been left dumped in the middle of the footpaths.
Herald Sun reported that the voltage of the power lines were too high to be installed underground. Further, VicRoads chose not to move them across the street as many trees would need to be chopped down.
Local businesses were shocked by how long the construction (pictured) of the road took
The Liberal candidate for the local area of Eltham, Nick McGowan, argued that the upgrade was rushed and some choices were ‘wacky.’
VicRoads website states, ‘we apologise for this work taking longer than expected, and we’re happy you can now enjoy the new and improved Bolton Street.’
An apology that did little to help one business, indoor playcentre Rarebears, who had their turnover drop to 40 per cent forcing the owners to cut their staff.
The owners Adam and Rachel Zeliff struggled to understand how the road upgrade took eight months for completition.
‘A lot of pain has been felt for no real gain,’ Mr Zeliff said.
While the upgrade has been supported by VicRoads, one local business owner said he felt robbed after seeing the outcome of the lengthy road upgrade and construction (pictured)