State regional rail operator V/Line expects Gippsland passenger trains to start rolling again tomorrow.
Gippsland services were suspended over the weekend and today after the Bunyip State Park bushfire flared up, placing communities and travellers between Nar Nar Goon and Longwarry at risk.
“Track scrubbing and level crossing activations have now been completed and a test train is scheduled to operate later this evening,” a notice issued by V/Line this evening stated.
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“Service updates will be available on [the V/Line] website.”
Roads remain closed
The latest information from VicRoads states the Princes Freeway and Highway remain closed between Nar Nar Goon and Drouin, without providing a time frame for reopening.
“Those who must travel from Gippsland can detour through Drouin, using Westernport Road to Lang Lang, then the South Gippsland Highway towards Melbourne,” a spokesperson said in this afternoon’s update on the freeway.
“We’ve set up alternative signed detour routes at the following locations:
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- “Morwell: heavy vehicles should use the Strzelecki Highway to Leongatha, then the South Gippsland Highway towards Melbourne.
- “Warragul: use Warragul-Korumburra Road to Korumburra, then take the South Gippsland Highway. This route is not suitable for B-doubles.
“Traffic heading away from Melbourne can use the same routes, with the addition of Koo Wee Rup-Longwarry Road to access towns such as Bayles and Modella.
“VicRoads continues to work with and support our partners in the emergency services. Our highest priority is keeping the community safe, while making sure all drivers can get where they need to go.
“The detours around the closure are significant, so drivers need to allow more time for their journey.
“While on the road, motorists should stay vigilant for emergency services vehicles. If smoke is limiting visibility, slow down and use headlights.
“Current road closures are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au.”
For the latest on the fire, visit emergency.vic.gov.au.
