How this sinkhole created a traffic nightmare for Aussies

A major tourist road has been closed in Victoria’s alps after a sinkhole opened up, creating chaos for commuters. The Great Alpine Road has been closed in both directions between Harrietville to Hotham Heights after the sinkhole opened up on Saturday morning, the SES said. The Department of Transport and Planning is surveying the area and will in the coming days commence fixing the damage. It is believed it was caused by a collapsed disused mineshaft that runs underneath the road. Hotham Heights and Harrietville remain open for business. However the public has been told to find an alternative route between the two towns. Ordinarily, it would take about 50 minutes to make the 32km journey from Harrietville to Hotham. However, because of the diversions, it would take approximately three and a half hours to drive around the Alpine National Park.