Construction crews have started work to repair a landslip that has reduced the Lyell Highway to a single lane for almost a year.
The slip, between Hayes and Rosegarland, occurred in September 2024 when flooding from the River Derwent destabilised the hillside next to the highway.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent said detailed investigations had been carried out to ensure long-term stability.
He said construction began on Monday and will run from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, with occasional Saturday work.
The project is expected to be finished in December, weather permitting.
State Growth says traffic lights will continue to guide motorists through the worksite, with a reduced speed limit and single-lane closure in place for the duration of construction.
Drivers should allow an extra 15 minutes’ travel time through the area, the department said.
“Landslide repairs are complex. We performed extensive investigations and assessments to determine the safety of the site and assess the damage to the hillside and road,” the department said.
“We engaged specialists from Tasmania and across Australia to ensure the right people with the right knowledge were working on this project.”
“We experienced some delays in performing investigations due to bad weather and river levels.”
River users have been asked to avoid the base of the slip during construction, though fishing is still permitted in the area.
Derwent Valley mayor Michelle Dracoulis previously said freight, forestry, tourists and residents had all been held up by wait times at the temporary lights while work progressed slowly.
“This wouldn’t float in Hobart and I don’t accept it here,” she said.
“It may not be sexy and it isn’t Sandy Bay, but it is the main route between Hobart and the West Coast and locals rely on it.”
