Devonshire Drive in Melbourne will be closed on October 9 for maintenance work. The closure affects the entire length of the road between State Road 522 and New Haven Avenue, according to the City of Melbourne. Drivers are urged to seek alternate routes to avoid delays. The city has not specified the duration of the closure but said crews will work to minimize disruptions.
City officials confirmed the closure via social media and email alerts on Friday. The notice included a map of detour routes and recommended alternative roads for residents and commuters. 'We understand this may cause inconvenience, but safety is our top priority,' said City Engineer Maria Lopez in a statement. 'Please plan ahead and use the detour signs.'
The road closure comes as part of a broader infrastructure project aimed at repairing potholes and repaving sections of Devonshire Drive. Similar work has been ongoing on other local roads this fall, including parts of Cape Canaveral Boulevard and Astronaut Boulevard. The city’s public works department has not provided a timeline for when Devonshire Drive will reopen.
Local businesses along Devonshire Drive expressed mixed reactions. 'It’s frustrating, but we get it,' said James Carter, owner of a coffee shop near the intersection of Saturn Street. 'We’ll survive a few days without traffic.' Others worried about reduced foot traffic during the closure. The city has not offered compensation for lost revenue.
Residents are being asked to report any issues with the detour routes to the city’s traffic hotline. The closure is expected to impact both daily commuters and students at nearby schools. City officials said they will monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.