Selected tracks and roads in north east Victoria’s forests and parks are closed temporarily this winter and spring to limit the damage done to roads and tracks and to keep motorists safe. 

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria run the seasonal road closures operation during winter and spring each year, as part of an annual driver safety and road damage prevention program. 

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Hume Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Aaron Kennedy, said: “Main closures for the 2020 seasonal road closure period are now in force and the majority are in areas of the high country, which often receives winter snow and sometimes makes tracks impassable. 

“Seasonal road closures help limit the damage done to forest roads and tracks during winter and spring and in doing so, ensures dangerous and difficult sections of road are closed for driver safety. 

“These measures also help maintain water quality in rivers, creeks and reservoirs by reducing the amount of erosion and silt washed away from roads and tracks. 

“Fire-affected areas in the Upper Murray and Ovens Valley, including roads and tracks, are particularly susceptible to damage and will remain closed until they are deemed safe for public use. 

“We encourage the social and recreational use of Victoria’s beautiful natural resources, including four-wheel driving, but some sections of the forest road network would rapidly deteriorate if opened for the entire year,” Mr Kennedy said.

DELWP and Parks Victoria consult with a range of stakeholders, including Four Wheel Drive Victoria, to identify sections of the road network which require closures. 

Most of the roads and tracks are re-opened in time for the Melbourne Cup Weekend, but the closure period can be extended if the conditions demand it.

To plan a trip and check road closures visit https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/visiting-state-forests/forest-and-road-closures

 For informational on seasonal closures in parks visit http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/safety/closures/seasonal-road-closures2

You can also contact your local DELWP office by calling 136 186.

Hume Region

Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning