THE Murray Valley Highway reopened to traffic between Kerang and Lake Charm on Wednesday after a levee was constructed to direct floodwater away from the road at Reedy Lake.
The highway had been closed since mid-October, as water resisted its natural flow beneath the Wandella Creek bridge at the highway, 7km north of Kerang.
The Gannawarra Times understands early discussions between Gannawarra Shire Council and the Department of Transport have begun about constructing a box culvert near the bridge to ensure connectivity between Swan Hill and Kerang in future floods.
Department of Transport Loddon Mallee region director Melanie Hotton said on Wednesday the department was working closely with the incident control centre and a levee was being constructed to direct water away from the Murray Valley Highway at Reedy Lake to allow reopening of the road.
“Record rainfall and flooding over the past month has devastated roads right across Victoria,” Ms Hotton said. “We urge motorists to never ignore road closed signs or drive through floodwater – it’s not worth putting your life at risk.
“Once water has receded we will assess and reopen the Murray Valley Highway as soon we’ve ensured it’s safe for travel.”
By 9pm Wednesday, the highway had reopened.
But the highway north of Swan Hill was closed to traffic in both directions on Wednesday due to emergency works.
The two-hour closure was between Coonimur and Stewart roads, north of Piangil.
“Sandbagging will take place to maintain the structural integrity of the road, which has been damaged by floodwaters,” a department spokesperson said.
“More major works are required to repair several sinkholes that have opened up on the southbound lane, which will result in traffic management at the site over the coming days.”
