Forest roads and tracks closing for the winter

Tuesday 5 June, 2012

More roads and tracks in Victoria’s forests and parks are about to be temporarily closed for winter and spring from next week (14 June 2012).

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria run the seasonal road closure program to ensure driver safety as well as protect our forest roads from damage during the cooler months.

DSE Manager Roads and Bridges Chris Stephensonsaid: “Many forest roads and tracks will be closing from Thursday 14 June 2012 because the track surfaces are likely to be wet and muddy.”

“These closures are in addition to the early closures announced in some of the wetter parts of the state last month,” Chris Stephenson said.

“The closures are important because our forest roads and tracks become much more difficult for drivers to use safely over this period.”

“Some forest tracks would suffer significant damage if they were left open all year round so we assess them each year and close any that require it.”

Parks Victoria Four Wheel Drive Program Manager Gail Wright said: “We had more rain than usual earlier this year so the closures are vital if we are to keep the roads and tracks in our forests in good condition.”

“By protecting our forest roads and tracks we can reduce erosion and cut the amount of silt which is washed into our rivers, creeks and reservoirs.”

“We want everyone who uses the roads and tracks in our forests and parks to make sure they know which ones are still open over winter and stick to those during the closure period,” Ms Wright said.

“As always we want anyone driving in our parks and forests to stay on the designated routes, take their rubbish home and take particular care with campfires.”

Most of the roads and tracks affected by the temporary closures will be re-opened in time for Melbourne Cup weekend.

For more information about road closures contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or Parks
Victoria on 13 1963 or go to "Latest conditions" at www.parks.vic.gov.au or the Public Access Map site in the recreation and tourism section at www.dse.vic.gov.au