Further works are planned for the Maroondah Highway over the Black Spur which will involve a series of closures of the road.

Fiona Simpson of VicRoads advises: “We are getting in touch to let you know of an upcoming program of tree removal on the Black Spur.

“Following a series of serious incidents, the Department of Transport engaged an independent arborist to asses trees on the Spur and this assessment identified 98 trees need to be removed, while a further 28 have been identified as needing to have large limbs pruned to maintain public safety.

“To remove these trees, we need to close the Spur intermittently during March, April and May.

“We will need to monitor the progress of the works and advise the community if further stages of tree removal are required.

“In coming days we will be distributing [a] flyer to residents and businesses along the Spur and in Marysville, Narbethong and Healesville.

“We will also host two community open house events – to answer questions and provide information.

“We understand how important this road is to locals and visitors, and have developed a works program to keep the Spur open Friday – Sunday, in morning and afternoon peaks and during school holidays”.

Stage one works:
The Spur is planned to be closed between 9:30am to 3:30pm on
• Monday, March 16 to Thursday, March 19 and
• Monday, March 23 to Thurs., March 26.

Stage two works:
The Spur is planned to be closed again between 9:30am to 3:30pm on
• Monday, April 20 to Thursday, April 23
• Monday, April 27 to Thursday, April 30
• Monday, May 4 to Thursday, May 7 and
• Monday, May 11 to Thursday, May 14.

VicRoads advise that the flyer provides information about environmental care, detours and the upcoming community sessions.

For more information, visit www.vicroads.
vic.gov.au or call their hotline on 13 11 70. For live traffic updates across the state, follow @VicTraffic on Facebook or Twitter.

Local CFA brigades will have response arrangements in place during the closures to deal with increased travel times.