The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring one of Victoria's key tourism routes, extensively damaged by the state's biggest landslip in 40 years, is ready to open for the first time in more than six months.
The Bogong High Plains Road will reopen under traffic control ahead of schedule on Monday 24 April, following a mammoth effort that has seen crews work seven days a week battling harsh conditions - including earth tremors and a one in 10-year rain event.
A collaborative response from Major Road Projects Victoria, geotechnical experts and local construction partner Whelans Group Investments, has restored timely access for local communities and businesses in the lead up to the winter season trade.
This 300-metre section of road will be open to a single lane of traffic with alternating flow, controlled by traffic signals and with a 40km/h speed limit.
This arrangement will be in place for the duration of this year's winter snow season due to kick off following the King's Birthday long weekend in June, as works continue to restore two lanes.
Priority will be given to peak traffic movements in the morning and afternoon, with minimal delays to motorists before 8am and after 4pm each day, when works are not taking place.
Over the past six months, a crew of workers has moved more than 75,000 cubic metres of loose material and cut into the hill to enable one lane access.
One of the state's busiest tourism routes, the Bogong High Plains Road serves as a key connection between Victoria's alpine region and tens of thousands of visitors each year, as well as an important link for communities in the state's north-east.
As stated by the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
"Thank you to everyone across the local high-country communities for your patience and as we navigated one of the most complex landslips we've seen in our state - thanks also to the dozens of workers on the ground who continue to work tirelessly to restore this vital transport link."
As stated by the Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"Crews worked around the clock in the face of challenging conditions to restore access to the road and they got the job done, providing welcome relief for local businesses and the community."
As stated by the Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"The Bogong High Plains Road provides vital access to Victoria's high country and its safe reopening will help ensure local business owners, workers, visitors and the community can move freely and safely."
