Engineering, Passenger Rail

No major delays announced despite Sydney Metro skytrain damage

A Transport for NSW spokesperson has downplayed the significance of changes made to the Sydney Metro Northwest delivery schedule after a concrete span was damaged during construction.

Transport for NSW confirmed to Rail Express on October 24 that one of the 121 concrete spans that will make up the four-kilometre skytrain section of the new metro line had been damaged on September 18, when internal cables were tightened as part of the construction process.

The span, one of 94 so far installed, will be replaced as a result.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on the story on Monday, saying the project was “at risk of major delays” after the incident.

But a Transport for NSW spokesperson told Rail Express the result of the incident was merely a schedule change, and did not suggest the project would be significantly delayed.

“Construction resequencing is common on major infrastructure projects as programs are adjusted to take into account construction activity and maintain the overall delivery program,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also downplayed suggestions by the SMH that construction was being delayed by unprocessed approvals from the state’s road authority, NSW Roads and Maritime Services.

“Sydney Metro is working closely with Roads and Maritime to achieve a timely construction process,” the spokesperson said. “There are no outstanding work approvals sitting with Roads and Maritime Services from the Sydney Metro project.

“Roads and Maritime Services’ approval process takes place as required by the program of work and is obtained progressively.”

Transport for NSW said its Sydney Metro team was making final preparations for the first section of the skytrain to be handed over to Northwest Rapid Transit, the consortium tasked with operating the line.

Scheduled to open in 2019, Sydney Metro Northwest includes the skytrain and twin 15-kilometre tunnels, which will link eight new stations with the existing line at Epping station. The line between Epping and Chatswood will also be converted, to create one continuous line from Rouse Hill to Chatswood.