A popular tourist and commuter route in the Dandenong Ranges remains single lane as geotechnical experts investigate repairs after a landslip last month.
Mount Dandenong Tourist Road was reduced to one lane, with traffic management in place, when part of the road fell away during July’s flash flooding event.
Stabilising the road to reopen it to vehicles between Mason Grove and Lennox Grove, a Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said was the first priority.
The department has now turned its attention to an appropriate design solution to repair the road.
“We’re making sure this site remains safe for road users while geotechnical investigations to inform repairs are completed,” the spokesperson said.
“These works are complex, and we will take every precaution to protect the surrounding environment and other infrastructure while we assess the site and repair the landslip.”
Mount Dandenong, according to Yarra Ranges Council’s website, first documented a landslip in the 1860s but geological evidence suggests these have been occurring for hundreds of thousands of years because of the rock make up.
Heavy rainfall, flooding or an earthquake increase the likelihood of a landslip, as in the case of 15 and 16 July.
The department confirmed it would continue to keep the community informed in regards to repairs, as well as work with local authorities to ensure the safety of people in the Hills.
Monitoring areas prone to landslides, the spokesperson said, would be a priority of crews, as they look out for any instability which may be further affected by the wet weather.
