Following a magnitude 6.0 earthquake impacting all areas of the state, the Victorian transport network remains safe with limited impacts to travel, the State Government said in a statement released this evening (Australian Eastern Standard Time).
“Inspections are underway across the transport network with engineers assessing any potential damage to metropolitan and regional roads, bridges and culverts – similar inspections are underway across the public transport system,” it said
Due to power failures caused by the earthquake, on the state’s road network up to 90 sets of traffic lights had been offline. However, services had been restored and traffic lights were operating normally around the network.
It was possible that more power and communication disruptions would still occur, the State Government warned.
Damage to building housing tram control centre
“The tram network may experience minor delays due to potential earthquake damage reported at the building that houses the tram control centre. Operators have moved to a contingency location [and] delays, if any, are expected to be minimal across the tram network,” the statement said.
Metro Trains continue to run as normal, with all services running to time. But on the V/Line network, coaches continue to replace most V/Line services due to driver availability.
Meanwhile, the Australian Psychological Society has urged Australians who experienced this morning’s earthquake, particularly those in Melbourne where it was most strongly felt, to look after their mental health.
“Disasters or significant events like an earthquake can be incredibly distressing for many people,” the society’s CEO, Dr Zena Burgess, said.
Acknowledge you’ve had a difficult experience
“There is no right or wrong way to feel, and it’s important to acknowledge you’ve been through a difficult experience.”
“For those in Melbourne, and across Victoria, it’s particularly important to look after yourself right now. As a community you have been living through difficult and often stressful circumstances for a while now, so it’s understandable that this morning’s events may have brought on strong feelings for you.”
“Lean on each other, rest, take time to relax, and if you’re highly distressed or struggling, please reach out for help,” Dr Burgess advised.
The earthquake occurred this morning at 9.15am (AEST) and was felt around the state and further afield. The epicentre occurred near Mansfield, which is located in the Victorian Alps approximately 180 kilometres north-east of Melbourne.
