The Murray Valley Highway was re-opened to the public on Monday following the completion of post fire repairs and hazardous tree works in the aftermath of the Walwa-Mt Lawson blaze.

However, motorists are being urged to use caution when travelling on the road and to adhere to changed traffic conditions including speed restrictions.

The highway was closed to traffic for 25 days while multi-agencies worked to clear the damage including hundreds of burnt trees adjacent to the roadside.

The Tallangatta Incident Control Centre worked with AusNet Services, Department of Transport & Planning and Victoria Police to re-open the road and works included the assessment and repair of power infrastructure and road signage along with the identification and treatment of hazardous trees.

Incident Controller, Tim Gazzard, said fire-affected trees continue to pose an ongoing risk to the community well after a fire has passed.

“Trees impacted by fire don’t always fall immediately,” he said.

“Many collapse weeks, months or even years later particularly during strong winds, heavy rain or drought.

“So, our tree works have focused not only on the immediate risks from the fire but also on ensuring the community remains as safe as possible into the future.”

Speed restrictions are in place and some delays can be expected as works continue to restore service through the fire area.

Several roads leading off the highway in the fire ground remain closed, with some open to local traffic. For the latest road closures visit traffic.transport.vic.gov.au.

The fire, which started in Mount Lawson State Park on January 5th, has burnt approximately 122,000 hectares of public and private land and is currently contained within the park.

This article appeared in Corryong Courier, 5 February 2026.