Great Ocean Road to close for four days

THE Great Ocean Road will be temporarily closed to traffic for four days at Mount Defiance next month for geotechnical, drainage and road rebuilding works.

From May 28 to May 31, about two kilometres of the road west of Lorne will be closed in both directions so VicRoads can carry out upgrade works to improve the safety and longevity of the road.

Due to the geography of the site, there are some works that cannot be carried out at night.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said works would include the replacement and upgrade of several culverts to improve long-term drainage at the site and reduce the risk of future landslides.

“A large section of damaged road surface will be rebuilt to improve the strength and safety of the road for drivers.”

Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said workers would remove loose rocks and drill boreholes at high-risk geotechnical hazard sites to help guide the design and construction of future road stabilisation treatments.

“I know that this closure will have significant impacts for local communities but it is critical to ensuring our iconic Great Ocean Road remains safe and strong.”

Federal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson encouraged local communities along the Great Ocean Road to attend upcoming information sessions to learn more about the upgrade works and planned closure.

“A planned closure now on this section of the road when traffic volumes are historically lower will mean any longer unplanned closures can be avoided in the future.”

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said it was important local residents and businesses were aware of the coming closure so they can plan their journeys well in advance.

“Communities and businesses along the Great Ocean Road will still be accessible via a detour route, but drivers will need to allow extra travel time,” Ms Tierney said.

Community information sessions will be held (all from 4-6pm) at the Wye River SLSC on April 16, the Apollo Bay Golf Club on April 17, the Cumberland Resort auditorium in Lorne on April 18 and at the Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne on April 19.