Melba Highway closure will disrupt commuters and freight operators for months as major repairs to two landslips are now underway, with the project expected to continue until the end of January 2026.
Earlier this year, from approximately February 17 to the end of March 2025, a section of the Melba Highway was closed due to landslip repairs in Dixons Creek. The affected area was located between Healesville-Kinglake Road and north of Hunts Lane.
During that closure, detours were established to guide different types of vehicles. Light vehicles, rigid trucks, and buses were diverted via Healesville-Kinglake Road and Healesville-Yarra Glen Road.
Melba Highway Closure: Major Landslip Repairs Until 2026
A single lane of the Melba Highway in Dixons Creek will remain closed until the end of January 2026 as crews work to repair two landslips that have caused major damage to the highway’s foundation.
The works, which began on Monday, October 13, are focused on a 130-meter section approximately 3km south of the Healesville-Kinglake Road intersection.
The repair work involves a multi-stage process to stabilize the road:
- Excavating and removing the damaged road pavement
- Building new retaining walls
- Reinstating and stabilising the road asphalt layers
- Improving drainage to prevent future issues
- Reinstating safety barriers, signs, and line marking
Early Works Trigger Melba Highway Closure and Reduced Speed Limits
From Monday, October 13, to Friday, October 31, crews are conducting early works, setting up the site and carrying out excavation and drainage work. During this period, motorists will encounter the following conditions:
- Lane Closure: One lane will be closed during work hours (7am to 6pm, Mondays to Saturdays) over approximately 100 metres between Healesville-Kinglake Road and Hunts Lane.
- Traffic Management: Temporary traffic lights and on-site traffic controllers will be in place to manage flow.
- Speed and Delays: Reduced speed limits are in effect, and drivers should expect delays of around five minutes, with longer waits during peak times. The road reopens to two lanes outside of work hours.
In a welcome relief for holiday travel, crews will complete early works before the Melbourne Cup long weekend. Both lanes of the Melba Highway will be open from 3pm Friday, October 31, until 7am Wednesday, November 5.
24/7 Melba Highway Closure from November 5 as Major Works Begin
After the long weekend, from Wednesday, November 5, until the end of January 2026, the repair project will intensify. Crews will work on both landslips simultaneously, leading to more extensive traffic conditions.
- The project will maintain a single lane closure at all times over a 200-meter stretch.
- Temporary traffic lights will operate 24/7 to manage two-way traffic.
- Traffic controllers will be on-site during work hours, and reduced speed limits will remain for safety.
- Drivers should continue to expect delays of approximately five minutes.
Works will pause for the Christmas and New Year period under changed traffic conditions, with further updates to be provided by the Department of Transport and Planning (DoTP) as the project progresses.
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