Major tram works send struggling traders off the rails
After finally getting back in business, traders on a shopping and dining strip between Moonee Ponds and Flemington have now been locked down by major tram works.
Victoria
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Residents and businesses on Mt Alexander Rd in Melbourne’s inner northwest are furious over major tram works which has closed an entire 2.2km section of the busy arterial road for more than two weeks.
Yarra Trams is replacing tracks between Moonee Ponds junction and Travancore until January 18, leading to disruption, inconvenience and trading losses for dozens of businesses.
The problem is especially acute for Darren Fenech, owner of tennis store Serving Aces, who said the time around the Australian Open was crucial for his business.
“For us, this is our Christmas. So these works couldn’t have come at a worse time for us.’’
Customers cannot drive to any of the shops and cafes and even pedestrians can’t cross the road unless they walk 1km up to Puckle St.
“At the moment, we would just like a crossing. People can see the store but can’t get to it,’’ Mr Fenech said.
Like many on the popular strip, Mr Fenech wonders why the works could not have been done in sections instead of one, long works site.
Paul Chatzis, of Elephant Cafe in Flemington, said his business was only just recovering from lockdowns when the road was dug up.
“Now it’s completely dead,’’ he said.
“Business numbers are down 100 per cent, not 50 or 70 per cent down but 100.’’
“And Yarra Trams said they cannot provide any compensation. In just 500m, six major businesses here have been affected.’’
“We just came out of lockdown and now this.
“It’s a problem all the way up to Moonee Ponds junction. So what happens if an ambulance wants to come in at 1 o’clock in the morning?’’
Tracks are being replaced between Mooltan and Dean streets. Work on overhead wires is also being done, further north, between Fletcher and Shamrock streets in Essendon.
Bus replacement services are covering the 58 and 59 tram services.
Dino Deprisco at The Re-Up Cafe said only the loyalty of regular customers was keeping him afloat.
“We’re really struggling. There’s no passing trade. There’s nowhere to park,’’ he said.
A Yarra Trams spokeswoman said the organisation would continue to encourage the community to shop local and support traders.
“Pedestrian access to these businesses will remain open at all times. We ask the public to please follow the signage around the work zone,” the spokeswoman said.
“We will continue to work closely with the local businesses and residents and update them on the progress of works.”
The Mt Alexander Rd repairs was part of the summer program of works, planned to be done during quieter traffic periods.
Conducting the work in sections would prolong the project and increase disruption, according to Yarra Trams.
Moonee Valley mayor Cr Samantha Byrne said in a statement: “Council recognises that the renewal works being carried out by Public Transport Victoria (PTV) and Yarra Trams are necessary and there is never a perfect time to complete works, therefore, council has been encouraging residents to help out and go the extra mile to support their local business during this time.’’
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