Charman Rd closure: Level crossing removal works to push traffic out of busy shopping strip
Cheltenham’s busiest shopping strip faces road closures, delays and detours as level crossing removal work ramps up on Friday. Traders fear the disruption will hurt business but welcome the end of the crossing. Here’s what they had to say.
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Three weeks of traffic and trader headaches are expected to hit Cheltenham as a section of a buzzing shopping strip is closed for level crossing removal works.
Traders along Charman Rd fear takings will “hit lows” and traffic will turn to chaos as vehicles are diverted away from a section of the shopping hub between November 15 and December 6.
Shoppers will have to use the footpath to access 14 small businesses between Blagdon St and Station Rd, with motorists forced to push out onto Balcombe, Bay and Reserve Rds and Nepean Hwy as an alternative route.
The 24 hour works will see new underground cables and upgraded drains as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project’s mission to have the crossing transformed into a rail trench by late 2020.
Sammy’s Barber Shop owner Tony Porter said there was “no question” works would disturb trade at his business, which has proudly operated for more than a century.
“It’s definitely going to affect us, it’s just a question of the severity of the effect,” he said.
“The LXRA have been in sporadic contact with me. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
“It’s definitely going to impact us all on Charman Rd, especially with all the tradies using the car spots,” Peaberry’s Cafe supervisor Margit Ainso said.
“I hope they can drop in for coffee and food.”
Warhammer games gift shop supervisor Jenny Watson, who is preparing for the shop’s peak period at Christmas, worried the delivery truck would not be able to make it to the shopfront.
“(The works) are definitely concerning into the lead up to Christmas … we haven’t heard anything from LXRA about how the trucks will get in,” she said.
“But the works have to be done. Every time the boomgates go down, traffic is banked up all the way down the road.”
But Alan Evans, who has owned and operated EmbroidMe on the strip for four years, said his frequent clientele would continue to support his shop despite having to park further away.
“We have a number of regular customers who buy in bulk so it should be OK,” he said.
Espresso Hit owner Danny Frew also said he also expected to see no difference in business over the coming month.
“We’re as good as gold,” he said.
Sacred Heart Mission Op Shop manager Jason Kemp said he would play the situation “by ear”.
“It’s hard to tell if it will affect us. When there were works at Park Rd it was fine,” he said.
“You just have to do the best you can … the completed project will bring everyone to the area in the end.”
The LXRA has advised residents who travel through the area to allow extra time to get to their destination while driving near the area, with increased traffic anticipated along detour routes.
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“Cheltenham will be closed between Blagdon Street and Station Road from 2:00pm Friday 15 November to Friday 6 December, subject to suitable weather,” the website reads.
“Vehicles can detour via Nepean Highway, Bay Road, Reserve Road and Balcombe Road (and) detour signage and traffic management will be in place to get you around the area safely.
“Pedestrians will be able to travel to shops, Cheltenham Primary School, Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery and across the Charman Road level crossing as usual.”
The LXRP is throwing a street party before the shut down from 3.30pm to 6.30pm tomorrow November 15.
Visit your local shops and stalls showcasing their specialties. There will be activities including face painting, lucky dip vouchers and cupcake decorating. Sample some goods or snag a voucher from more than 25 local traders, and enjoy music and circus entertainment.
There will be a site tour at 4pm and LXRP experts will talk at 5.30pm about the work on the Cheltenham level crossings.
For more information including affected bus routes, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au