THE worst fears of organisers of next week’s mountain cattle sales at Omeo and Benambra have been realised with the Great Alpine Road off limits to large trucks.
The preferred route to the high country sales will be under increased restrictions from day one of the sales on Tuesday.
Buyers will only be able to travel the Great Alpine Road between 7am and 9am and 4.30pm and 6.30pm by car or other vehicles under 23 tonnes.
But large trucks returning from the sales will be forced to travel via Corryong or Mitta.
More than 11,000 cattle will be sold in five sales over two days in Omeo, Hinnomunjie, Ensay and Benambra with large numbers of buyers from the North East, southern NSW and further north expected to attend the sales.
VicRoads confirmed the arrangements yesterday and warned drivers they could expect delays.
Work on three slip sites following recent heavy rain will start Tuesday as will tree clearing works.
The return trip on the Benambra-Corryong Road and the Omeo Highway for trucks is longer than the Great Alpine Road and more expensive for buyers. The road will re-open on Friday.