Work begins soon to repair the landslide on the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road at Sassafras.
Severe rainfall earlier last year caused significant damage to the road at the bend between Mason and Lennox groves, which is a short distance from the junction with Mountain Highway at the top of the popular 1-in-20 bike route.
The road in the landslip zone is reduced to one lane with traffic taking turns in each direction.
Traffic flow at the landslide site is being controlled by a three-way traffic signal arrangement, with a portable traffic light for each direction of the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, and one portable traffic light facing Mason Grove.
There is a reduced speed limit of 40km/h.
Although one lane of traffic is open at all time with two-way traffic maintained on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, there may be a need to close it when drainage infrastructure is upgraded.
Riders travelling through the area should take care to observe all traffic management and follow the direction of traffic controllers. Plan your journey to allow for extra travel time.
Work will be underway 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday from mid April until completion in July.
The landslide is approximately 25 metres wide and four metres deep. Considering the damage caused to this section of the road, major structural retaining wall works will be required to properly repair the landslide and safely reinstate the road to a two-lane road.
This will involve building a 70 metre long retaining wall with eight metre deep supporting poles, as well as relocating existing utilities and drainage upgrades to meet current standards.
Businesses in Sassafras and Olinda remain open and trading as usual.
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