Riders heading out to the Dandenongs could face disruption over summer due to a serious landslide at Sassafras.
A severe rain event earlier this year caused significant damage to the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road at the bend between Mason Grove and Lennox Grove, which is a short distance further along from the junction with Mountain Highway at the top of the 1 in 20 route.
The road in the landslip zone is reduced to one lane with traffic taking turns in each direction.
The landslip is being monitored for possible instability and if any risk to the public is detected the road may have to be closed completely.
In that case there may be additional traffic on the 1 in 20 route, and The Cresent/Perrins Creek Road loop that many riders take would also be impacted.
And updates over summer will be communicated on the project website.
Transport Victoria is completing the detailed design for the landslide repair and working with the relevant utility authorities and agencies including Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria.
Relocation of existing utilities as well as significant structural and drainage upgrade works will be required to repair the site and fully reopen the road.
This will involve constructing a 70 metre long retaining wall with eight-metre-deep support posts. Due to the size of the landslide and complexity of this site, the works could not occur prior to the summer season.
Construction is to start in March 2025 and be completed in mid-2025, weather permitting.
Businesses in Sassafras and Olinda remain open and trading as usual.
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