The Allan Labor Government has wrapped up works along an iconic northeast alpine tourist route, which will restore two-way traffic for skiers, tourists and the Falls Creek community for the first time in nearly 18 months.
From today Bogong High Plains Road will fully reopen to locals and tourists after major remediation and prevention works wrapped up following major landslip.
As one of the state’s busiest tourism routes, Bogong High Plains Road connects Victoria’s alpine region to tens of thousands of visitors each year and supports local industries like agriculture and tourism.
The road was closed in the wake of October 2022’s devastating heavy rainfall due to debris from a mammoth slow-moving landslide, above the township of Bogong Village between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek.
It was one of the largest landslips experienced on Victoria’s road network in 40 years – standing 70 meters tall and 100 meters wide, the landslip towered higher than the MCG’s Shane Warne Stand and sprawled wider than an Airbus A380.
The Bogong High Plains Road opened under single lane traffic control ahead of schedule in late April last year, following a huge effort that saw crews work around the clock battling harsh weather conditions.
Since the major weather event, Major Road Projects Victoria have worked closely with East Gippsland based contractor Whelans Group Investments to incrementally excavate and safely remove around 600,000 tonnes of material from the slope.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
“From today, two-way traffic has been restored on Bogong High Plains Road for the community and the thousands of skiers and tourists who head to the slopes each year.”
“The landslide in October 2022 was one of the worst we’ve seen in our state’s history and our crews have worked tirelessly to not only repair the damage on the road but to prevent the risk of another dangerous landslip reoccurring.”
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“The Bogong High Plains Road is a vital link in Victoria’s high country and it’s safe reopening will help boost our regional economy as we gear up for snow season.”
