Regional Roads Victoria has defended the wire rope barriers which trapped cars on the Hume Freeway during flooding at Wangaratta last week, saying it was not safe for motorists to try to get onto median strips anyway.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
RRV chief regional roads officer Paul Northey said the flash flooding was unprecedented.
“For those who were caught out suddenly on the Hume, while it may not have felt like it, the road was the highest point and staying with their vehicle was the safest option until help arrived,” he said.
“While the barriers prevent access to road medians and shoulders, these are not safe diversion points during a flood event as they could cause vehicles to become bogged or in an even more vulnerable position.”
Motorists at a community meeting in Wangaratta on Friday complained they had nowhere to go as water quickly rose because the barriers trapped them on the freeway.
But RRV’s position is that the roads itself is designed to be the highest point in the environment to allow for efficient run-off during rain events.
Barriers are designed to be laid down or cut where appropriate, but it was decided this was not a suitable strategy during the unprecedented flash flooding.
Statistics show the safety barriers have been hit over 2200 times across Victoria this year, including more than 250 times in the North East.
Beechworth-Wangaratta Road remains closed at Golden Ball Bridge, which sustained significant damage during Thursday's floods.
RRV said the method of repair would be announced this week after examinations by its structural engineering team.
The option of installing a temporary bridge is being considered.
Wangaratta Council has also announced free disposal of waste from the flash flood event at the Wangaratta and Eldorado transfer stations and skips placed at Tarrawingee Hall, Boorhaman Golf Club, Murmungee Hall, Everton bus stop and North Wangaratta Fire Station.
- Receive our daily newsletter straight to your inbox each morning from The Border Mail. Sign up here