The outstanding debts from May and June might not be paid until next March.

VicRoads has assured people that the $404 million Harcourt section of the Calder upgrade will not be delayed.

In August, VicRoads stepped in and paid subcontractors when Winslow Projects struck financial difficulties.

But central Victorian contractors say there are still millions of dollars outstanding.

One contractor owed about $80,000, who did not want to be named, told The smaller employers had felt intimidated into silence while still having to find money or excuses for their own debts.

“It’s been a circus from the beginning,’’ the contractor said.

“We have to find money for the fuel and parts and wages, but we are not in a position to pay.

“Our overdraft is stretched to the limit.’’

Winslow Projects has claimed outstanding debtors for other projects created a cash shortage.

It said arrangements had been put in place to pay 60 per cent of debts by the end of October, and a further 20 per cent by Christmas.

The disgruntled contractor said creditor meetings had left some smaller contractors in tears, while those owed less than $10,000 were not invited.

Difficulties with the final stage of the Calder Freeway are in stark contrast to the Malmsbury section, which was completed almost a year ahead of schedule.

Bendigo contractor Andy’s Earthmovers worked with Fulton Hogan on the Malmsbury section of the highway, but withdrew from the Harcourt construction in August.

General manager Andy Hoare said he was not confident more than $1 million owed would be paid under the terms of the contract.

He said small local contractors had been hit the hardest because they still had their own staff to pay, but were expected to wait more than six months for the balance of what they were owed.

“What should be a great thing for central Victoria has become a very sour and bitter experience for a lot of businesses,’’ he said.