The road will reopen between Wye River and Kennett River tonight after being closed to all through-traffic since Sunday evening.

VicRoads regional director William Tieppo said workers had operated around the clock to replace a major drain.

“The final piece of equipment, a big crane, had arrived by about 10am Monday after navigating its way through the Otway forest,” Mr Tieppo said. 

He said a “massive hole” was excavated by mid-afternoon Monday, bedding material was laid and compacted and the first end-wall put in place on the ocean side by that night. 

Mr Tieppo said more work was  needed before one lane could be reopened by tonight.

“Minor traffic delays may be experienced after the closure as we install lane closures and reduced speed limits to complete final surface and guard rail works. This is expected to take only a couple of weeks.”

The larger drainage pipe was needed to avoid longer-term problems.