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Latrobe Police Service Area, Special Update Edition, Closure of Princes Freeway MorwellBy Malcolm Lawrence - 10th April 2011 - Back to News Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
SPECIAL UPDATE EDITION 2 - April 2011
CLOSURE OF PRINCES FREEWAY MORWELL
Hi folks,
Since my last newsletter much work has been done behind the scenes to progress the four-step plan. It is important to recognise that the issue spans far greater than simply ensuring the integrity of the road and getting the freeway open again. The condition of the road itself is only one element that we have to consider.
Further assessment from Professor Sullivan from the Technical Review Board this week has indicated that there is evidence of cracking further to both the east and west of the area already identified. These appear to have developed as a result of the most recent rain events. Professor Sullivan is formalising his findings, however it is understood that the area we have concentrated our remedial work efforts in so far will need to be extended around 300 meters to the east and west. This means more drilling and monitoring is likely to be required.
In light of this information, we have sought external assistance to survey the identified area within the Morwell township. This will identify all areas of land movement for comparison against any pre-existing conditions and will provide a better understanding of the total movement since February. There is no suggestion any houses have or will be impacted, but the survey is a necessary part of the information gathering process. The results will feed into the current data being provided by International Power Hazelwood, Latrobe City Council and VicRoads, which is regularly assessed by Professor Sullivan.
We continue to hold our Emergency Management meetings to ensure the work required is carried out in the best possible way. The initial remedial works undertaken by the mine to repair the Morwell main drain assisted in moving up to 30cm of water flowing in it last week and it functioned reasonably well in the circumstances. I am happy to report that the drilling of the horizontal drain holes in the mine wall is progressing and the completed holes are draining significant ground water from the area. Much work is still required in this area and it will take significant time to drill the required number of holes.
The Traffic Advisory Group is still meeting weekly to examine the traffic flows and looking for ways to improve the situation. It is through this committee and the efforts of VicRoads that we have been able to extend the barriers to allow local traffic through toward Churchill from the east and the Strzelecki Highway from the west. These changes seem to be going well.
On Saturday 19 March, I hosted a bus trip with 25 residents living close to the freeway to examine first-hand the Morwell Drain, freeway cracks and to view their houses to gain a better understanding of what we are working with. I think it was a worthwhile experience and I hope the residents that came along have been able to share some of what they saw and learnt with the rest of the community.
In the lead up to the school holidays and Easter break, I ask for your continued patience and safe driving on the roads in and around the township. There will be an increase in traffic through the town so please adjust your driving style to suit the changed conditions - avoid changing lanes and make sure you leave a safe distance between yourself and the car in front of you. Pedestrians are encouraged to use designated crossings points and traffic lights - remain patient, it may take longer than usual to cross because of changes to the traffic lights.
Regards,
Geoff Newby
Superintendent
Incident Controller
SPECIAL UPDATE EDITION - CLOSURE OF PRINCES FREEWAY MORWELL
Assistance or advice for residents completing relocation plans - contact Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, Morwell’s Community Liaison Officer and Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator. Brett can be contacted on 5131 5085.
To report structural issues contact the DPI (Department of Primary Industry) customer service line on 136186.
For Freeway closure information contact VicRoads on 131170 or visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au .
For assistance at a local government level contact Latrobe City on 1300 367 700.
FROM VICROADS - TRAFFIC CHANGES – FOR LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY
VicRoads advises that while Princes Drive remains the designated detour route for the Princes Freeway-Morwell Bypass road closure, we will be making some changes to closed sections of freeway, to make it easier for local traffic to access communities south of Morwell. Changes are expected to be implemented by Thursday 17 March 2011.
Access TO/FROM Churchill (Monash Way) from Traralgon side:
To assist local traffic from areas around Churchill, the section of freeway from the Eastern Interchange (current closure point on the eastern side) to Monash Way will be reopened in both directions. This will allow for more efficient travel for those driving from the Churchill area to and from Traralgon by using the Monash Way interchange. This alternate arrangement is strictly for local traffic only and will be under the reduced speed limit of 80km/h for safety reasons.
Access TO/FROM Churchill from Melbourne side:
Current arrangements remain in place. Access is via the diversion route along Princes Drive.
Access TO Leongatha (Strzelecki Highway) from Melbourne side:
Access to the Strzelecki Highway will be improved, with a section of the closed freeway reopened on the western side (Melbourne side) of the closure. This means those travelling from Melbourne will be able to continue along the previously closed section of freeway, take the exit ramp to the Strzelecki Highway and avoid the diversion route.
Access TO/FROM Traralgon to Strzelecki Highway:
Current arrangements remain in place. Access is via the diversion route along Princes Drive.
Access TO Melbourne from Strzelecki Highway:
Current arrangements remain in place. Access is directly onto the Princes Freeway.
Heavy Vehicles:
Heavy vehicles over 4.3 metres in height, (this includes most cattle and car carrier trucks) cannot travel on the section of Monash Way in either direction between Princes Drive and the Princes Freeway, because of a low overhead bridge. Over Dimensional Vehicles are advised to use 0D9 route:
All overdimensional vehicles must continue to use the OD9 route, see directions below.
Eastbound - 0D9 begins at the Hernes Oak exit off the highway.
Westbound - OD9 begins from the Hyland Highway at Traralgon or continuing on the diversion following the VMS signs, left down Tramway Road, right at Firmins Lane and left at Monash Way where OD9 begins.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
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