A significant sinkhole has emerged on the Great Alpine Road in Victoria's high country, leading to an extended closure and causing major disruptions to local traffic and businesses.
The incident, which occurred near Jackass Gully between Harrietville and Hotham Heights, has prompted a swift response from emergency services and raised concerns about the region's infrastructure.
Discovery and Initial Response
The sinkhole was first reported on Saturday morning, with emergency services quickly responding to assess the situation. Initial investigations revealed a hole that was far more substantial than a typical pothole, prompting immediate closure of the road in both directions.
Extent of the Damage
Further examination by specialist crews has uncovered the true scale of the problem:
- The sinkhole measures approximately 5 meters by 5 meters
- It reaches a depth of about 6 meters
- The affected area covers about two-thirds of the road's width
Andrew Crook from the Department of Transport and Planning described the discovery as a "giant hole" that became apparent after crews "peeled back" the road surface.
Cause of the Sinkhole
Experts believe the sinkhole was caused by the collapse of an entry to a disused mine running underneath the road. The area is known for its historic mine shafts dating back over a century, highlighting the potential risks associated with building infrastructure in such regions.
Impact on Local Community and Businesses
The road closure has had significant effects on the local area:
- Access to Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain is now limited, with detours adding up to three hours of travel time for those coming from the north-east.
- The Great Alpine School at Dinner Plain has been forced to close indefinitely, with staff unable to reach the campus.
- A leadership program at the Alpine School Dinner Plain Campus ended three weeks early, with students transitioning to online learning.
Despite these challenges, local businesses in Hotham and Dinner Plain remain open, accessible via alternative routes through Omeo or Dargo.
Repair Efforts and Timeline
The Department of Transport has outlined a repair strategy involving:
- Rebuilding the road in layers of compacted crushed rock
- Replacing the asphalt surface
However, the work is heavily dependent on weather conditions, with recent wet weather potentially causing delays. Authorities are aiming to reopen the road in early December, though this timeline may be subject to change.
Broader Implications
This incident raises important questions about infrastructure in areas with historical mining activity. As Mr. Crook noted, "These roads have been built in this area, which is an engineering marvel to drive through … there are no doubt more similar mine adits underneath the roadway."
The situation underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance of roads in such regions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As repair work continues, local authorities and businesses are working to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of residents and visitors to Victoria's alpine region.
The community's resilience is being tested, but there's a collective effort to overcome this unexpected challenge and restore normal access to this popular area of Victoria's high country.
