By Laura Michell
The developer behind roadworks causing “mayhem” on Mickleham Road did not have permission to reduce the road to one lane during the morning peak earlier this month, the Department of Transport has revealed.
The roadworks on Mickleham Road at Lemonwood Drive and Hillview Road are being carried out on behalf of the Pask Group – the developer of the Maples estate.
The works include the installation of new traffic lights and are expected to be completed by the middle of the year. On February 7, Mickleham Road was reduced to one lane during the morning peak as a result of the roadworks.
Hume councillor Joseph Haweil said the lane closure created a “nightmare” situation for motorists and questioned why the works were not being done in off-peak times.
He said it took him 34 minutes to drive one kilometre from his home to the exit of the Greenvale Gardens estate.
“It is completely unacceptable to close a key arterial road … and turn it into a one-lane road during key times when tens of thousands of people are using the road. It is a recipe for mayhem.”
Mayor Carly Moore described the situation on Mickleham Road as “out of control”, adding it took her children one hour and 15 minutes to travel from Craigieburn to Aitken College on February 7.
A Department of Transport spokesperson said the developer did not have the necessary approvals to close lanes on Mickleham Road.
“The department … has issued the developer involved with a warning to ensure that this doesn’t happen again,” a department spokesperson said.
“Our surveillance officers will conduct more frequent site visits to make sure the developer adheres to the conditions of the permit.”
The Pask Group was contacted for comment.
Meanwhile, Hume council has called on the state government to duplicate Sunbury Road between the airport and Oaklands Road to reduce congestion.
Cr Jack Medcraft said congestion had increased recently as motorists desperate to avoid Mickleham Road were opting to use Sunbury Road instead.
