Some forest tracks closing early - Don’t forget! They’re slippery when wet

Monday 30 April, 2012

Some roads and tracks in Victoria’s forests and parks are about to be temporarily closed for winter and spring from tomorrow (1 May 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 Stephenson said: “Some forest roads and tracks will be closing from tomorrow (1 May 2012), while many more are closed from 14 June 2012 when the track surfaces are most likely to be wet.”

“The early closures are necessary in some parts of the state because the roads and tracks in our parks and forests are so wet,” 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: “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.”

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.