Newsletter, Transport, Tunnelling

Air contamination delays WestConnex

The project – which will connect the upgraded M4 and M5 motorways, and Port Botany, the airport and the M6 – is facing more delays after testing revealed air pollution concerns.

An independent air monitoring report recorded ‘extremely high’ fungal contamination causing more than 600 tradespeople working on the tunnel to halt work at the M4 East motorway tunnels in Haberfield, New South Wales.

The report was commissioned by management in response to safety concerns raised by workers about fungal contamination due to inadequate ventilation in the tunnels.

It stated that the contamination posed a probable health risk and also requires “remediation or removal of all affected surfaces”.

WestConnex is being financially supported by a AU$1.5 billion grant from the Federal Government and AU$2 billion concessional loan to the NSW Government.

Work on the M4-M5 Link started in 2018 and the new M4 tunnels are anticipated to open in 2019.

If you have news you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Assistant Editor Chloe Jenkins at cjenkins@gs-press.com.au

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