Bolton St, Eltham’s $10.5m makeover driving motorists, retailers and locals mad

CONFUSING turning lanes and power poles in the middle of footpaths have left drivers, retailers and locals scratching their heads after a $10.5 million road upgrade in Melbourne’s northeast.

ROAD rage has erupted in Melbourne’s northeast over a $10.5 million upgrade that installed confusing turning lanes and left power poles marooned in the middle of footpaths.

Retailers and residents have labelled the upgrade a “shemozzle” and are demanding compensation for customers they say have been driven away.

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A continuous turning lane — for cars travelling in both directions — has been rammed down the centre of Bolton St in Eltham in a bid to keep traffic flowing.

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But drivers have been left confused by arrows that point towards footpaths or nature strips, rather than directly to streets or driveways.

They are also unsure when to use the lane, sometimes facing oncoming traffic turning in the opposite direction.

Bolton St chicken shop owner Jerry Mustafa said motorists had been bamboozled.

“I hear it every day from customers,” he said.

“They are confused and bewildered and think (the upgrade) is a complete waste of money.”

A continuous turning lane — for cars travelling in both directions — has been rammed down the centre of the street. Picture: David Caird

A turning lane to nowhere on Bolton St. Picture: David Caird

VicRoads’ Vince Punaro said the road revamp would keep traffic flowing along the congested arterial.

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan also backed the project but said it would take “some time” for drivers to adjust to the new design.

“The new median turning lanes will keep traffic moving and will ensure travel through the area is safe and reliable,” he said.

The Herald Sun understands the power lines left in the middle of the footpaths were too high voltage to be installed underground.

Jerry Mustafa next to a power pole in the middle of the footpath. Picture: David Caird

VicRoads opted not to move them across the street, where a number of trees would have needed to be cut down.

But Liberal candidate for Eltham Nick McGowan described the move as “wacky” and said the upgrade had been rushed.

Bolton St traders have threatened to sue VicRoads for losses during construction, although the roads authority does not offer compensation.

Some were told construction would finish at the end of last year, but it instead dragged on until March.

Mr Mustafa said a string of businesses, including his own charcoal chicken shop, had lost thousands of dollars.

“You feel like you have been robbed, especially when you see the outcome,” he said.

“And it’s not just me, it’s all of the Bolton St businesses.”

Bolton Street shop owner Jerry Mustafa isn’t impressed. Picture: David Caird

Retailers say a string of businesses have lost thousands of dollars due to the “shemozzle” of an upgrade. Picture: David Caird

Indoor playcentre Rarebears said it halved its staff when turnover plummeted by as much as 40 per cent.

Owners Adam and Rachel Zeliff said the traffic delays were so bad during construction that they had to pay a surcharge for a food supplier to make deliveries.

“We’ve seen Hoddle St done in a week and some rail crossing removed in three weeks, so we struggle to understand why this road took eight months,” Mr Zeliff said.

“A lot of pain has been felt for no real gain.”

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@moniquehore

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