Repair works to address the landslide on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road near Mason Grove, caused by a severe weather event in July 2024, are set to begin in mid-April 2025 and are expected to be completed by July 2025. The ongoing works will focus on restoring the road’s safety and functionality, with efforts made to minimise disruption to road users during the process.
Crews will be working from Monday to Friday, between 7am and 5pm, to restore the road to full safety and functionality.
What you can expect:
– One lane will remain closed on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road at the affected site, with two-way traffic being maintained.
– Traffic flow will be managed by a three-way traffic signal arrangement, featuring portable traffic lights for each direction on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road and one facing Mason Grove.
– A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be enforced for the safety of both workers and road users.
– The area will experience a medium to high level of noise, though crews will use modern equipment to minimise sound. Unfortunately, some noise and light will be unavoidable during the repair process, especially from reversing beepers on machinery.
– There may also be vibrations and dust around the work site, but all efforts will be made to limit disruption.
While the goal is to keep one lane of traffic open throughout the repair works, there may be occasional temporary road closures required, particularly during the upgrade of drainage infrastructure beneath Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. The community will be informed of any closures as soon as possible.
If you are travelling through the area, please follow all traffic management instructions and be prepared for possible delays. We recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing for extra travel time.
Supporting local businesses:
Despite the ongoing repairs, businesses in Sassafras and Olinda remain open and are trading as usual. We encourage residents and visitors alike to continue supporting these local businesses throughout the course of the works.
Background on the landslide incident:
Following the severe weather event in July 2024, a landslide impacted Mount Dandenong Tourist Road near Mason Grove. The immediate focus was on stabilising the landslide, capping and rerouting an existing gas main service, and clearing debris to ensure the road was safe for reopening.
Since then, a comprehensive range of investigations – including geotechnical, hydrological, and pavement inspections – have been carried out to inform the repair design.
The damage to the road was significant, and extensive retaining wall works are now required to ensure the site is properly repaired and that the road can safely accommodate two-way traffic.
Why the delay in starting repairs?
Landslide repairs are intricate and require extensive planning and technical expertise. The design process has been thorough, ensuring the final design is the best possible solution for both the site and the road users.
What makes this site complex?
The landslide area is around 25 metres wide and four metres deep. Given the extent of the damage, major structural retaining wall works are essential to rebuild and reinstate a two-lane road. The works will include the construction of a 70-metre-long retaining wall supported by eight-metre deep poles. Additionally, existing utilities will need to be relocated, and drainage will be upgraded to meet current standards.
The site is also challenging due to the steep terrain, the proximity of Sassafras Creek, and the narrow road width, making the repair process even more complex.
For more information:
A traffic conditions map of the area, including detour routes and lane closures, is available for download. Please refer to the map for up-to-date information.
We thank the community for their understanding and patience during this necessary repair work, and we remain committed to keeping everyone informed as the project progresses.
