By Matthew Sims
For Pakenham residents, the talk about how to get around town quickly and easily has reached fever point with the recent closure of McGregor Road at the former level crossing.
The Pakenham Gazette visited the Heritage Shopping Centre located along McGregor Road to check how local businesses had been faring as road closures continue.
As part of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade project, the southbound lanes of McGregor Road were closed at 5am on Monday 1 July and are set to open in late September.
Crews extended this southbound lane closure to Livingstone Boulevard on Monday 22 July, with the section to Webster Way set to reopen on Friday 16 August, with no right turn access to Henry Road and Heritage Shopping Centre from McGregor Road during this period.
Access to Henry Road and the Heritage Shopping Centre will be via Livingstone Boulevard and Heritage Boulevard.
The Level Crossing Removal Project team also closed McGregor Road between Rogers Street and Henty Street on Wednesday 17 July, with McGregor Road set to re-open under the rail bridge on Friday 16 August.
Heritage Springs Meats co-owner Shaun Riley said they had lost about 20 to 50 customers per day due to the roadworks.
“There’s not much you can do,“ he said.
“We’re lucky we’re pretty well established.“
Cignall Pakenham owner Scott said he had lost half of his sales over the past month or so.
“It’s too hard for customers to get here,“ he said.
“The roadworks have definitely made a difference.“
Sharda Hair employee Stephanie said they had been quiet lately.
“It’s been a pain in the butt,“ she said.
“The traffic’s worse in the side streets now.
“Some clients won’t come in until roadworks are done.“
Stephanie said the business had received about two weeks’ notice before the roadworks began.
Mr Don Sushi employee Karla said there were a number of days where they had limited sales.
“Hopefully, it’s quickly finished,“ she said.
“It’s quiet a lot.“
Heritage Springs resident Pauline said while she visited Homestead Cafe in the shopping centre most days, she was reluctant to take trips to other parts of Pakenham due to the roadworks.
“To get around is a nightmare,“ she said.
“It takes you so long to just get into Pakenham.“
