By rosebell
Considering that on March 1 and 9 2024, about 150m apart, two subsidence occurred at Sydney’s M6 Stage 1, the tunnel design is being reviewed.
As the first occasion, on March 9 a sinkhole caused a partial building collapse in an industrial estate, whereas workers were almost 12m beneath the surface, digging the face of the south-bound tunnel. The workers were evacuated and none was injured.
According to NSW spokesperson: “The cost and timeline of the M6 Stage 1 were now under review. Transport for NSW and its delivery partner CGU are currently reviewing the design of the tunnel in areas affected by subsidence and a revised construction programme, both of which will impact the cost of the project. Transport for NSW and the contractor continue to investigate the cause of the subsidence, which affected a 244m section of tunnel.”
Already the SafeWork NSW prohibition notices are in place, hence tunneling can recommence in the areas affected by subsidence only when SafeWork gives approval.
The spokesperson said tunneling was continuing from the Arncliffe site, with 90% of tunneling excavation completed across the project.
“Tunneling fit-out construction is also progressing, including laying road pavements and electrical and mechanical works. Surface road works are also continuing on President Avenue, as well as work on the 5km of active transport connections in and around Bicentennial Park. We will keep the community informed once the project’s revised construction timeline is known,” the spokesperson said.
In order to providing 4km of twin tunnels linking the M8 motorway at Arncliffe to President Avenue in Kogarah, the M6 Stage 1 is a major road project and it is due to allow motorists to bypass up to 23 sets of traffic lights on the Princes Highway, and link with Sydney’s wider motorway network.
The commencing date of construction process was January 2022 and was scheduled to inaugurate the end of 2025.
