Richmond AFL Grand Final win may stop Tigerland trafficAaron Langmaid,
Herald Sun
September 27, 2017 UNPRECEDENTED crowds could swamp Melbourne’s sporting heartland and the streets of Richmond if the Tigers triumph this weekend.
But major roads, including Swan St and Punt Rd, won’t be closed, despite a push by the City of Yarra for that approach to be adopted.
As well as a crowd of 100,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, an additional 16,000-plus Tigers fans are expected to pack Punt Rd Oval.
The club is also ready to accommodate a crowd of more than 30,000 on Sunday.
City of Yarra councillor Stephen Jolly, concerned about safety, had campaigned for a 48-hour closure of Swan St, between Punt Rd and Church St, to all traffic except trams.
He also backed the closure of Punt Rd, between Swan St and Bridge Rd, on Sunday, in the event that Richmond claims the silverware.
But VicRoads said on Tuesday that standard game-day road changes would apply.
An extra measure will be the enforcing of a 40kmh speed limit on Punt Rd between CityLink and Bridge Rd. Street parking on Swan St will also be removed, for the benefit of pedestrians.
Cr Jolly said despite VicRoads’ decision, the sheer force of numbers would likely close the streets anyway.
“We have to deal with the reality that there are going to be a lot of people turning up,’’ Cr Jolly said.
“It’s a basic safety issue.
“This is an unparalleled situation. If they don’t close the streets, VicRoads and Victoria Police must have a contingency plan in place. I think this is going to be much bigger than anyone could imagine.’’
Cr Jolly said that closing Punt Rd between Swan St and Bridge Rd on Sunday would ensure the safety of thousands of punters who would otherwise be forced to negotiate the traffic to get to Richmond’s family day at Punt Rd Oval.
Closing Punt Rd between Bridge Rd and Swan St will ensure the safety of thousands of punters, Cr Stephen Jolly says. Picture: Ellen Smith
He said council had been involved in talks with authorities and the Richmond Football Club to try to ensure that weekend festivities went smoothly.
“The spontaneity, the enthusiasm — we’ve certainly never seen anything like it.’’
Cr Jolly said the council had also been in talks with Richmond over plans for a reception on the steps of the town hall next week.
Local businesses have already signalled that several laneways off Bridge Rd will be closed.
And from tonight the town hall will be lit up with a yellow and black projection.
Swan Hotel general manager Cameron Johns welcomed the proposal to close the streets, saying he was preparing for one of the biggest weekends in the pub’s history.
“I’ve doubled the number of our staff and security,’’ Mr Johns said.
“I’ve worked in the pub industry for 18 years, and this is probably the biggest event I’ve ever dealt with.
“There is a real pulse on the streets, a fantastic vibe, and it is great for the community.’’
Portable toilets will be place d on Swan St and Bridge Rd, and portable water fountains will also be provided by City West Water.
A free AFL live site will be running at Yarra Park.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/richmond-afl-grand-final-win-may-stop-tigerland-traffic/news-story/e8c252cfd7fa6a0016935a7425554382
