Project update

Access to Falls Creek along Bogong High Plains Road is now open.

Access was restored ahead of schedule on Sunday 23 April following a mammoth work blitz that has seen our crews work 7 days a week and battle harsh conditions – including a one in 10-year rain event.

Despite the many challenges, our construction partner, Whelans Group Investments has managed to clear enough debris to construct earth benches within the hillside to make the area safe ahead of the Winter Snow Season.

Rain, fog, tremors, further slips, and arduous haulage routes have made this one of the most complex projects in the State, but we’ve overcome it all to ensure we met our commitments to the community.

Animated map

Current traffic management on Bogong High Plains Road, in front of the landslip.

View a downloadable version of the Bogong High Plains Road landslip single-lane access map (PDF, 106.2 KB)

Re-opening frequently asked questions

Has Bogong High Plains Road re-opened to traffic between Falls Creek and Mount Beauty?

Yes. Access to Falls Creek along Bogong High Plains Road was restored ahead of schedule on Sunday 23 April, in time for winter preparations.

Please note, there are some changed traffic conditions in place for drivers that are enabling our crews to safely continue working.

What are the conditions and associated delays?

On Sunday 23 April, single access was restored across the front of the landslip to safely guide vehicles between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek. The length of the single lane is approximately 300m in total.

Drivers can expect minimal delays before 8am and after 4pm each day, when works are not taking place. Outside of these hours and at times overnight, drivers should allow an additional 15 minutes of travel time each way, with crews periodically needing to halt traffic while they safely continue works.

To further reduce delays, traffic signals have been programmed to prioritise peak travel times. For example, traffic going up the mountain has priority in the morning and then in the afternoon as they head back down. Traffic signals are continuing to be monitored and adjusted to further minimise disruption.

There are no restrictions on the type of vehicles that can use the road, except for those that require a permit, such as oversize trucks. We encourage cyclists to continue to avoid the area if possible.

How many lanes are open?

A single lane is now operating across the front of the landslip.

Note, heavy rainfall in April caused a separate section of Bogong High Plains Road approximately 7kms down the mountain towards Mt Beauty to erode.

To keep drivers safe, a small single lane arrangement is in place to guide vehicles around the erosion safely.

These works have recently been handed to Major Road Projects Victoria, with investigations now underway to plan for the repair.

Please factor this second minor delay into your journey.

Are all vehicles allowed to use the road, including large trucks and buses?

Yes. All vehicles including busses and trucks that don’t otherwise require a permit will be able to use the road.

Can cyclists use the road now that it is open?

While cyclists are able to pass through the area, the site remains an active construction zone. We encourage cyclists to continue to avoid the area where possible.

Will there be traffic management personnel present during the winter?

The site remains an active construction site, therefore traffic controllers will be on site to manage construction activity during the day.

At night when construction works have stopped, and traffic volumes are lower the traffic lights will operate automatically via sensors.

What works will continue now that the road has re-opened?

Crews are continuing to work 7 days a week towards the permanent solution and opening two lanes, weather and ground conditions permitting. This requires the ongoing movement of heavy vehicles on Bogong High Plains Road. Please drive with care and caution.

Is there still a high volume of construction vehicles on Bogong High Plains Road?

Construction work on the landslip are continuing in the lead up to winter as we work towards building the permanent solution and opening two lanes.

This requires the ongoing movement of heavy vehicles on Bogong High Plains Road 7 days a week.

Please drive with caution and be aware of additional heavy vehicles.

What safety measures are in place to keep drivers safe if there’s another landslip?

The site remains an active landslip, but the works completed to date have been designed to reduce further material reaching Bogong High Plains Road.

To keep drivers safe, we have concrete traffic barriers in place to separate traffic from the construction site. Sensors have also been installed on the slip to detect any unplanned movement with boom gates located on the road ready to close should this occur.

What engineering has contributed to the slip’s level of safety?

The design of the remediation works has focused on safety, and the project has used a benching technique, which is much like creating large steps, to reduce the risk of loose material reaching Bogong High Plains Road.

Movement in the slip is being monitored by sensors placed around the site, which automatically alert the project team to any movement within the landslip.

Can I visit Bogong Village when the road re-opens?

Access to Bogong Village remains closed as services including emergency water have not yet been restored.

As the managing landowners of Bogong Village, AGL is responsible for authorising long-term access to the Village. Enquiries regarding this should be made through them directly.

Will the road close again after winter?

As works continue towards a permanent solution, long term closures of the road are not anticipated.

We’ll continue to work with key stakeholders as plans progress and will share updates as soon as practicable.

How long will the long-term solution works take to complete?

We anticipate competition of the long-term solution could take up to 12 months. However further information will be provided as the details are finalised.

Will the solution prevent a future slip?

Engineering for the long-term solution is focused on preventing future landslips in this area.

Is the emergency access track still open?

Prior to the road re-opening on 23 April, the Department of Transport and Planning operated an emergency access track around the landslip site to provide access to Mount Beauty for emergency services, essential workers and residents of Falls Creek.

The emergency access track is now closed to the public, as is the online permit system.

Videos

Community updates

April 2023 (PDF, 269.3KB)

February 2023 (PDF, 526.2KB)

Project overview

Project overview (PDF, 989.2KB)