Councillors debated delaying roadworks near SPC and Greater Shepparton Secondary College following traffic chaos along the causeway in November.
Council approved a $2 million rebuild of the intersection of Andrew Fairley Ave, Old Dookie Rd and Lockwood Rd, which would involve installing traffic lights along the road.
The works would close half of Andrew Fairley Ave for the length of the construction phase, which is scheduled to begin in late January or early February, 2023.
The road would not be completely closed, as parts of Fryers St and Welsford St have been during upgrades there, causing traffic chaos for which council has since apologised.
Cr Greg James said while he backed the upgrade to the intersection, he didn’t support the timing of the works after recent community feedback.
“We’ve been questioned around our work in the last few weeks. I’d prefer us complete Welsford St first,” he said.
Cr James said the beginning of the school year and a busy time for SPC and its contractors would make the traffic in the area crawl to a halt, and there was no confirmation Welsford St would be completed by the end of January.
“I’d prefer to see Welsford done and dusted before we begin this project,” he said.
Cr Dinny Adem said the school year would go for eight to nine months, meaning it would be nearly impossible to avoid a clash.
“If council waited for each previous project to finish before beginning a new one we’d not do 30 per cent of our work,” Cr Adem said.
Cr Anthony Brophy said he had “waxed and waned” on whether to support delaying the project but said there had been assurances the work would be finished on time at Welsford St.
“We have to ensure there are minimal delays,” he said.
The tender was awarded to Mawson Construction.