But South Street traders have come up with an innovative idea to counteract the slow period.

Man Zone owner Vanessa Stelfox said businesses along South Street were hosting a market-day this Saturday to show people they’re still open and easily accessible.

“It’s been really quiet with the roadworks,” she said.

“We wanted to be proactive and worked as a group to put together a market on Saturday.

“We’ll have activities, new Wodonga gelato business Topolino Gelateria will have a cart here with free gelato for the first 125 people.”

The event will feature face-painting, balloons, and a sausage sizzle while SS Owners club and Albury Street Rodders will show their cars next to Wodonga Brass Band. 

Mrs Stelfox said 15 stalls would be selling a variety of goods.

“We want to get the word out that although the intersection is closed you can still easily access the street via Hovell Street,” he said.

“Businesses are still open and we’re encouraging people to #ParkWalkShop, and support the affected businesses on High Street as well.”

Mrs Stelfox said without community support businesses can be devastated by prolonged roadworks.

“The High Street intersection will be closed for four weeks then the street from South Street to Bond Street will be closed for 12 weeks,” she said. 

“Businesses can close down without local support. 

“After the first lot of roadworks in South Street, it took a long time for businesses to recover financially.

“It’s not just being affected financially, but people’s driving or shopping habits change, they get used to taking a new route or new shop and after the works are done their habits don’t change back.”

Mrs Stelfox said Wodonga Council had been very supportive of the market, and their communication had  improved since she was last affected by roadworks.

“We were affected by roadworks a couple of years ago and only received three days notice then – this time it’s been really good.”

The market will run from 10am to 2pm with shops running promotions.