Public Transport Victoria to shut Plenty Rd for 10 days straight

Traders on busy Plenty Rd in Reservoir say they could lose tens of thousands of dollars when the major thoroughfare shuts for 10 days. And with deliveries, bookings from months ago and staff to consider, owners say they have no choice but to stay open.

Plenty Rd, Preston will be closed for 10 days, starting this week. File photo

Plenty Rd businesses are bracing for the worst, prepared to lose tens of thousands of dollars when the thoroughfare is shut down for more than a week.

Public Transport Victoria and Yarra Trams will close Plenty Rd between Albert St, Reservoir and Murray Rd, Preston from 2am September 21 and 5am September 30.

Businesses along the 2km stretch were given about four weeks’ notice of the closure, which will remove all traffic and parking spaces.

Access to businesses and homes will be by foot only.

The road will be closed 24 hours a day for 10 days. Picture: Google Maps

Darby’s Brake and Clutch manager Peter Cawthan said he was prepared to lose up to $10,000.

“There’s nothing I can do,” he said.

“We’re completely blocked off for the whole week.”

Mr Cawthan said they would use a rear laneway for deliveries, but would have to carry auto parts down two flights of stairs to the workshop floor.

Department of Transport spokeswoman Georgia Main said the “vital” works were necessary to continue reliable tram services.

The shutdown will occur at the same time as the High St level crossing closure.

“We work closely with Yarra Trams, the Level Crossing Removal Authority and other transport agencies to minimise the disruption and ensure the smooth movement of traffic during these essential works,” she said.

“We thank passengers and motorists for their patience while this essential work is carried out.”

Lane closures will also be in place between Albert St, Reservoir and Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, while the High St level crossing remains closed.

Businesses will not receive compensation.

Two Boys and a Pot owner Damien Caputo said while he expected their business would take a significant hit, they couldn’t close because of catering orders, deliveries and staff.

“We’ve already got jobs booked in from months in advance,” he said.

“We’ve got staff and people that rely on us as well.”

“The worst part is that nobody came in and spoke to us. I’m sure they didn’t decide to do this last month.”

“How’s anyone supposed to prepare?”

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Stray Neighbour manager Adam McKay said they had no idea how bad it would be but would stay open.

Mr McKay said they still had bookings for the restaurant, but expected walk ins to drop “significantly”.

For more information on the closure visit the Yarra Trams website.

@richardapearce