Pedestrian tunnel closed after roof caves in

THE REDEVELOPMENT of the Korumburra Railway Precinct hit a snag recently when a section of the roof caved in above the pedestrian tunnel, with a heavy vehicle bogged atop.

The South Gippsland Shire Council issued a notice of the closure of the tunnel which runs between Commercial Street and Station Street Korumburra, on Friday July 4.

Local man Evan Enbom and his girlfriend were walking their dog on the morning of the incident.

“We were about to enter the tunnel from the Station Street side when I noticed the truck bogged above the tunnel. I said to Laurel, ‘Gee I wouldn't be surprised if he has punched through into the tunnel,’” explained Evan, who based his estimation on where the truck was stuck and the angle the cab was on, in relation to the tunnel below.

“We then walked in the tunnel and lo and behold, the ceiling was collapsed in. We then walked out of the tunnel and went to see the driver to let him know. He had no idea it had happened and thanked us for letting him know.”

The driver subsequently let the council know who then closed the tunnel, and the local couple didn’t see anyone else attempting to walk through the tunnel at the time.

Council has stated that: The tunnel will require assessment and repair before it is reopened.

“I hope it gets fixed soon as we use the tunnel often,” said Evan.