September has seen a change in plans that will see the so far lengthy repair of a local landslip switch from a drilling method to using a rock fill batter, after unexpected ground conditions were discovered.
Ongoing vital works underway to repair the landslide on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road near Mason Grove in Sassafras have forecast the reopening of the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road to two lanes of traffic by early December.
Subject to weather and the timeframes of utility companies, the landslide along the popular tourist road in the Dandenongs has reduced the area to a single lane of traffic since July 2024.
The damage was caused by a severe weather event last year, which saw a landslide area around 25 metres wide and four metres deep, and the repair job has added complexities, multiple underground utilities, steep drop-offs and a proximity to the Sassafras Creek and road width.
“Due to unexpected ground conditions, drilling 8m deep piles to support a retaining wall structure is not practical or efficient. We have revised the design to a rock fill batter. This involves carefully placing rocks to create a compact and stable sloped embankment,” said the Transport Victoria website.
So far, works have included re-locating the active underground gas pipe and safely removing the Yarra Valley Water pipe that had an asbestos coating and excavation works to remove the redundant retaining wall
A working platform was built for construction vehicles to enter the work site as they completed benching works and built the rock fill batter, which is approximately four metres high and 70 metres long.
For now, one lane remains closed on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road near Mason Grove, with two-way traffic being maintained on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, and traffic is being controlled by a three-way traffic signal arrangement, with extra traffic controllers on weekends and public holidays.
The department has advised of a medium to high level of noise and some vibrations, and dust around the work site.
“We will aim to keep one lane of traffic open on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road at all times, with two-way traffic maintained on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road,” said the Transport Victoria website.
“We’ll work closely with the contractor to deliver the works while minimising impacts to the community as much as possible. We’ll keep the community updated if a road closure is required,” it read.
Residents are advised to please observe all traffic management and follow the direction of traffic controllers and plan your journey, and allow extra travel time.
