"IF you find a better way to do it that saves the community's money and cuts the disruption to business, why wouldn't you do it?"
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That's the question East Bake Bakery owner Bart Shanks has for Western Plains Regional Council over the disruptions affecting Dubbo businesses.
In April it was announced Wheelers Lane would be closed to widen the road and upgrade the level crossing to install boom gates and new signals.
Initially the road was to be fully closed for four months while the work was completed, but after Mr Shanks advocated on behalf of the business community in the vicinity of the crossing, it was reduced to six weeks.
"We've been heard, but I just feel there's a better way we can get things done for future projects," Mr Shanks said.
"It's estimated council have added an extra $300,000 to the project cost- we've yet to get an actual figure on that- but when you add up the loss to those businesses, closing for 16 weeks would have cost them more than $300,000."
After two weeks of the road being partly closed and another with it completely shut off, Mr Shanks said he has had 30 per cent downturn, with the figure expected to get higher.
"We've had casual staff that we've had to cut back at our own business and neighbouring businesses have done the same," he said.
While Mr Shanks said his business could absorb the loss until the road reopened, he said others in similar situations had not been as fortunate.
After speaking to businesses who had been through road closures, Mr Shanks said someone on Darling Street was barely able to stay open after the street's recent work.
"During the time the road was closed they lost 60 per cent of their financial year income. She had to lean on her family just so she can survive to stay open and try and trade out of it," Mr Shanks said.
Another business had taken out a second mortgage on their home to cover their losses, he said.
"Why aren't we considering alternatives?"
Mr Shanks said he had spoken to several civil works companies who had told him they were able to complete the work in less time at a reduced cost.
"Council does a lot of good, but like any business or organisation there are some problems or situations. I'm trying to find a council that has a better approach to civil works," he said.
Mr Shanks said there needed to be better consultation practices between council and the business community, as well as more consideration towards using outside companies to complete the work.
Council's operations engineer Robert Flakelar said the upgrade, which included new concrete paths, an on road cycleway, centre medians and street light improvements was on schedule.
"At the moment, excavation work to remove old road pavement is underway while at the same time gravel is being brought in to construct a new pavement," he said.
"Electrical conduits-for new streetlights-are also being trenched across the road so a number of Council road crews, pipe-laying crews, concrete crews and contractors are working concurrently to undertake these activities."
Weather dependant, Wheelers Lane will be open to one lane of traffic in each direction on June 20.