Heavy rain has caused significant damage to Esk Main Road along St Marys Pass, as urgent repairs are planned to reopen the route.
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The road closed yesterday after a rockslide caused by intense rainfall over the past week blocked the route, with the Department of State Growth warning investigations indicated potential for "further intense slippage and undermining of the road at the landslip site".
In a statement on Thursday afternoon, the Department said immediate repairs to the road had been organised, with the work would commence as soon as it was safe.
It is estimated the works will take four weeks to complete.
"The work will involve building a wall to support the road from below and the removal of material to stabilise the embankment above the road," the statement read.
Break O'Day Council call for new access route
Break O'Day mayor Mick Tucker said the closure of the pass highlighted the need for a new access route to the east coast.
"In Council's view, this closure only highlights how this road, the main access route to the east coast, is not fit for purpose," Cr Tucker said.
"The east coast is a remote area - further away from a major city centre than the west coast - and at times like these we become even more remote."
Cr Tucker said as the region's population grows and tourist numbers increased, there was a pressing need to address road access to the municipality.
"Many of these people are towing boats and caravans and the pass is becoming increasingly unsafe for this travel," he said.
"Council hopes that the State Government will be able to get the pass reopen as soon as possible but we also hope that this will make them consider seriously developing a new access route to the east coast."
Alternative routes include Lake Leake Road and Elephant Pass, which is under a reduced speed limit.
The department said it was monitoring Elephant Pass for any safety issues if heavy rainfall persisted, and has urged drivers to limit their travel in the area where possible.
- The most up-to-date information on the route can be found at www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts
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