By Jed Lanyon
Hazardous tree removal works along the Maroondah Highway are set to begin in the coming weeks following an arborist report that identified the need to remove 98 trees and prune large limbs from another 28.
Many of the trees are grand Mountain Ash that stand at between fifty to seventy-five metres tall and have become unstable due to age or competition with other trees.
The project requires the use of heavy machinery, including a crane, to remove the trees from the roadside.
The state government states that the cranes allow the trees to be removed in sections, ensuring the protection of the undergrowth below and the native fauna and flora inhabiting it, including species only found in the area.
Stage one works are proposed to take place from 16-19 March and 23-26 March between 9.30am and 3.30pm.
The Victorian government states that road closures will not take place between Fridays and Sundays to reduce the impact on local tourism operators.
The Black Spur will remain open throughout the school holidays to allow the locals and tourists to enjoy the popular holiday destination during the break.
Stage two of the works will restart on 20 April with more information to be shared in the coming weeks.
After the completion of the second stage of works, an assessment will be undertaken to determine if further hazardous tree removals are required.
Traffic management will be on site to support motorists to follow detours via the Melba Highway to Yea, the Goulburn Valley Highway to Alexandra and the Maroondah Highway to Alexandra, before heading south to Narbethong. Motorists are encouraged to allow more than an hour extra travel time during closures.
The Department of Transport will consult with the community and local businesses, including conducting holding two drop-in sessions to give locals an opportunity to have their questions answered.
The Black Spur was closed late last year for four days of tree removal works following the death of a motorist who was struck by a falling tree.
Residents who have grown frustrated with the continued closure of the Black Spur took action in hopes that the state government would consider opening a road in the area.
The Black Spur Action Group recently organised a bus tour to travel along the closed road between Fernshaw and St Ronan’s Well, Narbethong to see if it could make for an alternate route for the Black Spur.
The path is not currently accessible to the public, requiring the vehicle to be escorted by Parks Victoria. Residents hope this will convince the state government to invest in road upgrades for the area.
