BHP Road Landslip

The Bogong High Plains Road is closed from Mount Beauty to the Falls Creek Alpine resort due to an active landslip event.

Bogong High Plains Road is severely impacted by debris from the landslip and is currently closed to the public until further notice.

The landslip will severely restrict access from Mount Beauty to the areas of Falls Creek and Howman’s Gap. As a result this event has seen the closure of the Bogong Village. 

Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) has a web page dedicated to providing updates. View this page here.

Community members can sign up to receive email and SMS updates. Subscribe here.

Alternative access to Falls Creek from South and North via Omeo Highway and Bogong High Plans Road Omeo side of Falls Creek is available, however this will add significant travel time to any planned trip.

Emergency Services Access

In order to provide access to emergency services and limited agencies to the impacted communities, an emergency service vehicle track has been constructed
to allow access to Bogong Village, Falls Creek, and Howman’s Gap from Mount Beauty.

This track is available for 4WD emergency vehicles and limited agency access to use for critical works.

There is no pedestrian access through the closure area.

It is too dangerous to walk the BHP Road near the landslide site.

Traffic control procedures are in place and only those individually listed will get through the access point.

What is happening?

Initial assessments from MRPV are nearing completion, and the results will inform how they plan their works so that they can restore access to Falls Creek via Bogong High Plains Road safely.

The safety of the community and MRPV crews is their main priority. They have established an exclusion zone around the slip should a second landslip occur.

MRPV is working with a range of recovery agencies, tourism operators, local businesses, and Council to understand how they can better assist impacted businesses and residents throughout the recovery program.

Timeframes

There is a significant amount of work to be undertaken to remove the spoil from the landslip site and restore access.

MRPV has issued the following statement about road reopening timeframes:

"Exactly when the road will re-open should be known in the coming weeks, but we are working hard to have access restored in time for the 2023 ski season." - MRPV

Any concerns or questions regarding this event can be sent to em@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.

Community newsletters 

Stay up to date on road closures and detours HERE.

Available support and more information

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are geotechs who worked on previous slope works been consulted about options?

The project team continue to consult with the lead geotechnical engineers within the Department of Transport who were involved in the design and implementation of the both the gabion wall structure below the road in this location and the previous benching completed above the road. Given the complexity and size of this landslip, the project team has also engaged additional geotechnical consultants who specialise in landslip management to provide advice regarding this project’s initial and ongoing repairs.

Can the emergency service road be opened to other 4WD and use the red light system to direct traffic with emergency vehicles taking priority?

This track has been designed to ensure 4WD emergency vehicles can access Falls Creek from Mount Beauty when responding to an emergency. This track has not been designed to carry additional traffic volumes and is located near working machinery. Access to this track is carefully managed and is not open to the public.

Why are workers from AGL, Falls Creek Management, Howmans Gap, PARKS walking through village under the exclusion zone?

When walking, pedestrians are able to walk around the exclusion zone and park their second vehicle on the other side of the exclusion zone.

Can guests access Falls Creek Village via Omeo?

Yes, guests and visitors to Falls Creek can still access Falls Creek Resort via the Omeo Highway in Shannonvale. Motorists are advised to drive with caution as patches of ice and snow drifts are still evident in areas along the road.

Can the scope of work for permanent works at the current slip at Alpine Village include a geotech assessment for the entire 30 km?

The Department of Transport geotechnical team regularly assesses the arterial road network for geotechnical risks and will be re-assessing Bogong High Plains Road for further developments given the significant rainfall experienced.

There are other vulnerable sites along BHP Rd. How will they be secured to insure no future road closures/landslides?

Landslip prevention or remedial works along Bogong High Plains Road Transport are informed by the assessments completed by our geotechnical engineering team.

Is the Three Peaks cycle race challenge (March 11, 12) now not achievable?

The Three Peaks Challenge has unfortunately been cancelled due to the ongoing closure of the Bogong High Plains Road. The landslip continues to move, and it is unsafe to reopen the road at this stage. Bicycle Network shared news of the decision in early February. Learn more.
 

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