Black Spur closure for maintenance

THE Department of Transport (DoT) has advised that the Black Spur will be closed from 9am to 5pm each day from Monday, March 28 to Friday, April 1, so that works can be conducted, weather permitting.

The closure is due to resurfacing works along a two kilometre stretch north of Dom Dom Saddle, to provide a smoother and safer surface for all road users. Crews will complete a pavement stabilisation and once the overlay from the seal is completed, this will provide better drainage when it rains.

The DoT are closing the road during the above times to complete the works as safely and quickly as possible. This section of the Black Spur is narrow and closing one lane of traffic would not provide sufficient room for work crews to safely complete resealing. In order to provide a safe work space for crews, the Department of Transport made the decision to close this section of the road so crews are not required to walk into a live lane of traffic.

While the Maroondah Highway will be closed in this area, people are required to use the approved detour from Narbethong to the Goulburn Valley Highway at Alexandra, before travelling south on the Melba Highway from Yea to Healesville.

The detour will add an additional hour of travelling time, so motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for the journey if they need to travel between 9am and 5pm from March 28 to April 1.

When the road is open at night during the roadworks, there will be reduced speed limits and traffic management in place.

Steve Bowmaker, Regional Director (Hume), Department of Transport said, “We’re providing a safer journey along the Black Spur section of the Maroondah Highway, by resealing two kilometres of road at Narbethong. We understand the significance of this road for motorists travelling to Melbourne and thank the community for their patience during this time.”

Following the completion of these improvements, the Department of Transport will reinstate the 80km/h speed limit along the Black Spur.