BHP Road Landslip

Single lane access near Bogong Village on the Bogong High Plains Road from Mount Beauty to the Falls Creek Alpine resort is now open following an active landslip event. 

Latest update from Major Roads Projects Victoria

Access to Falls Creek along Bogong High Plains Road is now open.

On Sunday 23 April, single access was restored across the front of the landslip to safely guide vehicles between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek. The length of the single lane is approximately 300m in total.

Drivers can expect minimal delays before 8am and after 4pm each day, when works are not taking place. Outside of these hours and at times overnight, drivers should allow an additional 15 minutes of travel time each way, with crews periodically needing to halt traffic while they safely continue works.

To further reduce delays, traffic signals have been programmed to prioritise peak travel times. For example, traffic going up the mountain has priority in the morning and then in the afternoon as they head back down. Traffic signals are continuing to be monitored and adjusted to further minimise disruption.

There are no restrictions on the type of vehicles that can use the road, except for those that require a permit, such as oversize trucks. We encourage cyclists to continue to avoid the area if possible.

What has happened?

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

The landslip has severely restricted 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

The Department of Transport and Planning are maintaining a 4WD track for emergency services, approved residents and essential services to provide access between Mount Beauty, Bogong Village and Falls Creek.

Access to this track is limited and requires a pre-arranged permit. For more information please contact Major Road Projects Victoria on 1800 105 105 and they'll connect you with the right people to consider your request.

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.

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

Community information session - Mount Beauty, 6 March 2023

You can download a copy of MRPV's slideshow presentation here.

Community newsletters 

Stay up to date on road closures and detours HERE.

Available support and more information

Support continues to be available for people and communities affected by the Bogong High Plains Road landslip and road closure between Mount Beauty and Falls Creek.

Call the Emergency Recovery Victoria Hotline on 1800 560 760 for:

• financial help

• business assistance, including access to a business advisor through Small Business Victoria

• mental health and wellbeing support

The hotline is open:

• Monday to Friday: 8 am to 6 pm

• Saturday and public holidays: 10 am to 4 pm

Press 9 for an interpreter.

For more information, visit: vic.gov.au/2022-flood-recovery

The following services are currently working out of the Kiewa Valley or offering their services to the Kiewa Valley community. If you would like further information or to book a time with any of these services, please contact them on the details listed below. 

Gateway Health – 03 5731 3500 

  • Lilli Pilli Larder & Café, 225 Kiewa Valley Highway, Tawonga South - every Wednesday from 10am-12pm  

  • Mount Beauty Library, 61 Lakeside Avenue – every Wednesday from 1-2pm 

Small Business Victoria – 13 22 55 

  • Business Advisors contracted by Small Business Victoria have been visiting Mount Beauty weekly. Contact them on the number above for more details. 

Red Cross – 1800 733 276 

  • Providing community support via a range of events, including community BBQs and trivia nights. 

NewAccess Mental Health –  1300 921 535  

  • NewAccess mental health coaching is a guided 6-session self-help program 

  • Free of charge and no GP referral necessary 

Upper Murray Family Care – 02 6057 5399 

  • Financial Counselling and Financial Capability 

Hume Riverina Community Legal Services – 1800 918 377  

  • Offering free legal advice 

Upper Kiewa Valley Support Services – 0493 418 598 

Major Road Projects Victoria 

  • Working from the Mount Beauty Community Centre seven days/week 

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.
 

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