Tram works cause delays for Reservoir, Preston commuters

Drivers already reeling from Reservoir’s High St level crossing closure are being warned to brace for more pain when another major arterial is closed for nine days straight this month, leaving homes and businesses accessible on foot only.

Plenty Rd will be closed off for nine days in September.

Northside commuters are set for even more headaches when Plenty Rd is closed for nine days this month.

The road will be shut in both directions from Murray Rd, Preston to Albert St, Reservoir from 2am on September 21 to 5am on September 30 while Public Transport Victoria and Yarra Trams work around the clock to renew tram tracks and overhead wiring

Two lanes will also be closed on Plenty Rd between Murray Rd and Gower St.

Lane closures will be in place between Albert St and Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora from 2am on September 21 to 5am on September 23.

The around the clock works will renew tram tracks and overhead wiring. Picture: Paul Loughnan

Route 86 passengers have been warned to budget an extra 30 minutes of travel time for their journey.

And getting into businesses and homes in the work zone will be by pedestrian access only.

Department of Transport spokeswoman Georgia Main said the works were vital and needed to happen to ensure they provided reliable services.

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

But a Reservoir businessman, who asked not to be named, said the decision to carry out the works at the same time as the High St level crossing closure was “crazy”.

Buses will replace trams between Miller St and the Bundoora terminus. Picture: Paul Loughnan

“The closure of the crossing at Reservoir — one of the major intersections in the northern suburbs — is already causing huge traffic issues. To have Plenty Rd closed or even partly closed at the same time, seems ridiculous to me, and shows no communication or else extremely poor judgment,” he said.

Ms Main said the department would work closely with other agencies to minimise disruption during the works.

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The public is warned the around the clock works would generate high levels of noise.

For Route 86 tram passengers, replacement buses will run between stop 41 and Stop 71.

Motorists are advised to use Albert St or St Georges Rd to avoid the area.

Live traffic conditions can be monitored at the VicTraffic website.

@richardapearce