By Callum Ludwig
Warburton residents want to see the closure of the Warburton Highway for landslips repairs in February handled effectively, as frustrations continue to grow with the current circumstances.
Currently, residents have been waiting for the temporary traffic lights or traffic controllers to wave them through on one lane of the Warburton Highway, but they will have to take the narrow and windy Old Warburton Road when repairs likely begin in February.
Member of the Warburton Emergency Planning group Kevin Bargar said residents are concerned the arrangement is going to create some problems unless preventive action is taken to avert issues in advance.
“We’ve already had a preview of what it was like in October 2022 when the highway was originally closed completely for a few days while they assessed what needed to be done there. There were a couple of cars and one CFA truck in particular that had to veer off and fell into the side ditch to avoid cars,” he said.
“The road itself is not made for a lot of traffic, it’s back road, windy and hilly. We just need to see some action happen prior to and really communicate with the community, as we know Yarra Ranges Council and VicRoads are the two entities that will be able to work together ahead of time.”
The Warburton Emergency Planning group devised the following recommendations for the extended period of the highway closure:
Clear communication to local residents and stakeholders on the plans for this repair including scope and timing. WEPG has access to a Community Noticeboard at the Warburton Bakery and has indicated it could be utilised and updated frequently to provide timely updates.
Remove the buildup of leaf litter, bark debris and protruding branches along the edges of Old Warburton Road to permit drivers to see the actual width of the bitumen
Assess the leaning trees for potential removal before they fall on cars or block the road.
Police presence to enforce adherence to posted speed limits on Old Warburton Road, especially where speed is reduced on winding, blind corners.
Signage that directs drivers to use headlights at all times, day or night, while using this road to improve visibility to oncoming traffic.
Push bikes to be prohibited from using the Old Warburton Road while this high volume of traffic is re-directed during the roadworks on the Warburton Highway.
Regular road inspections of Old Warburton Road be conducted to look for downed trees/branches, emerging potholes, etc.
Utilise small buses between Wesburn and East Warburton to ensure the current public and school bus timetables are maintained.
Post signage to prohibit oversize vehicles from using Old Warburton Road.
Mr Bargar said it’s just a matter of trying to give people enough information to drive safely.
“We want to be sure they know that they’re on a challenging road and they need to drive safely, especially for tourist who are unfamiliar with the area,” he said.
“We reached a lot of people with a post and another concern brought up was also that if they’re going to redirect the traffic to Old Warburton Road as it comes towards Wesburn, that’s going to push a lot of tourists off on that road, they’re not going to go into Wesburn and Millgrove, which is obviously still open, so we want a lot of signposting so they are sure of all their options.”
Old Warburton Road underwent works in November 2022 which finished at the beginning of December in preparation for the increased traffic expected in February.
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Jim Child said the safety of the community and visitors is of paramount importance.
“While there are already emergency management plans that would take into account traffic management if there were to be an event, we understand that the community is highly concerned about the current closure of the Warburton Highway,” he said.
“Council is meeting with VicRoads soon to discuss this matter and continues to be in contact with Victoria Police and the CFA in relation to the closure of the Warburton Highway and the detour along Old Warburton Highway and concerns in relation to emergency management.”
The Department of Transport and Planning consulted with local businesses on how to keep communities connected during summer and is looking to minimise the amount of time that the Highway needs to be fully closed. They are now completing any works that don’t require a full shutdown and the design is being refined to minimise environmental impact and reduce the construction period. We will also ensure the amount of time required for a full closure is limited to the bare minimum.
“We are finalising our plans to repair the Warburton Highway and aim to start work in February. We thank the community for their patience and we will work with Yarra Ranges Council to keep the community up to date with our progress,” said a Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson.
“Emergency vehicles will be given priority through the site if and whenever required and we will make sure we have plans in place to mitigate bushfire risks.”
When Warburton Highway needs to be fully closed to undertake works, vehicles will need to detour via Old Warburton Road. During this time, the Department of Transport and Planning will maintain access for buses, school buses, emergency services and tourist operators.
