Train delays as Broadway and High St traders fight crossing closure
Dozens of protesters have marched on the railway line at Reservoir, in a trader-led rally against plans to close a major intersection for four months for level crossing removal works.
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Dozens of protesters braved blustery conditions to rally against a four month road closure they say will be the downfall of their local small business.
The protesters carried handmade signs and gathered under the new sky rail development, stopping a Mernda-bound train from leaving the station.
They stood for about ten minutes before Victoria Police moved them on.
Broadway Lotto owner Simon Alan, who organised the protest, said the effort was a success.
“We got our message across,” he said.
Mr Alan said traders were not giving up, and prepared to come back as a more organised and bigger group and disrupt more trains.
The Leader spoke to a number of traders worried closure of the High St level crossing would force businesses to shut down.
Some estimated temporary closures had reduced business revenue by about 30 per cent.
“All we’re trying to do is stay afloat,” Mr Alan said.
“Once you remove that thoroughfare, we’re gone.”
Long time Reservoir shopper Christine Brown said the traders were good and honest people trying to make a living.
“They need our support,” she said.
Traders warn businesses will go bankrupt if the closure goes ahead, having already suffered through eight months of disruption.
The Level Crossing Removal Project is scheduled to close the High St level crossing from 9pm today until late December.
Traders fear commuters will be forced away from their shopping strip and customers will disappear.
Broadway Lotto owner Simon Alan said he had made multiple attempts to contact authorities and raise his concerns with the plan but little effort had been made to help traders.
“Anybody can live with a bit of disruption for a better future,” he said.
“We were never told that this High St intersection would be closed for four months.”
The LXRP officially informed traders of the impending closure on July 15.
Mr Alan said traders had been left with no choice but to stage protests.
“We’re just trying to get our voices heard,” he said.
Traders have dealt with disruption from temporary closures, replacement buses and interrupted train lines since the Level Crossing Removal Project began work at the site in January.
The LXRP will build sky rail over the intersection and a new, elevated Reservoir station.
LXRP project director Michael Caink said the project team had been in regular contact with traders.
“These important works cannot take place while the intersection is open to traffic. Significant construction activity is required in the intersection to remove the level crossing, including heavy lifting, foundation works and realigning the road,” he said.
“Carrying out this work during one, extended period means it can be completed efficiently and safely, while reducing overall disruption to the community.”
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The LXRP has encouraged construction workers to shop at the strip and created competitions to encourage people to shop locally.
Mr Alan said businesses had survived so far but a permanent closure would “definitely” bankrupt shops.
“We’ve got mum and dad businesses here, it’s hard enough as it is without any more hindrance,” he said.
“We have to think about how we’re going to pay the next bill, the next mortgage.
“We’d just love for everybody to understand.”
Mr Alan said more needed to be done to help out the traders during the works.
“We’re not asking for compensation, we’re asking for assistance,” he said.