Crane Rollover Forces Extended Closure of M5 East Tunnel in Sydney
Major disruption to one of Sydney’s busiest routes following crane accident, with repair work expected to continue into Wednesday morning.
The M5 East tunnel in Sydney has been closed following the rollover of a large crane that occurred around 11:30 AM on Tuesday near Bexley North.
Initial estimates suggested that the eastbound lanes could reopen by Tuesday afternoon; however, repairs to extensive damage sustained by the tunnel wall and the deluge sprinkler system will now delay this until Wednesday morning.
The crane incident led to the closure of the entire four-kilometer tunnel in both directions, necessitating temporary repairs before portions of the tunnel were reopened to westbound traffic later that same day.
The eastbound lanes remain blocked from Bexley Road and the city-bound on-ramp from Kingsgrove Road.
Authorities are managing traffic diversions, recommending alternate routes including King Georges Road, Stoney Creek Road, Forest Road, Wickham Street, West Botany Street, Marsh Street, and the use of the M8 motorway as an alternative route.
Authorities have reported an increase in traffic along these alternative routes but noted that major delays have not been recorded.
Transport for NSW has advised motorists to avoid the area while crews work on crane recovery and tunnel repairs.
Craig Moran, Executive Director of Operations Management for Transport for NSW, indicated that significant repairs would be prioritized to ensure the road is fully operational before the morning peak hours on Wednesday.
He emphasized that the cause of the crane incident will be investigated by NSW Police, and the driver of the crane, a male in his 20s, was reported to be uninjured and transported to St George Hospital in stable condition.
Emergency services, including NSW Fire and Rescue, are managing the spill of hydraulic oil at the crash site, which poses environmental and safety hazards.
Superintendent Adam Dewberry explained that the clean-up is complicated, particularly in a confined space like the tunnel, and stated that fire trucks were ready to be positioned at both ends of the tunnel in case the sprinkler system could not be restored swiftly.
Dewberry also noted that while the scene was contained, a vacuum truck was being dispatched to assist with the cleanup efforts.
Initial estimates suggested that the eastbound lanes could reopen by Tuesday afternoon; however, repairs to extensive damage sustained by the tunnel wall and the deluge sprinkler system will now delay this until Wednesday morning.
The crane incident led to the closure of the entire four-kilometer tunnel in both directions, necessitating temporary repairs before portions of the tunnel were reopened to westbound traffic later that same day.
The eastbound lanes remain blocked from Bexley Road and the city-bound on-ramp from Kingsgrove Road.
Authorities are managing traffic diversions, recommending alternate routes including King Georges Road, Stoney Creek Road, Forest Road, Wickham Street, West Botany Street, Marsh Street, and the use of the M8 motorway as an alternative route.
Authorities have reported an increase in traffic along these alternative routes but noted that major delays have not been recorded.
Transport for NSW has advised motorists to avoid the area while crews work on crane recovery and tunnel repairs.
Craig Moran, Executive Director of Operations Management for Transport for NSW, indicated that significant repairs would be prioritized to ensure the road is fully operational before the morning peak hours on Wednesday.
He emphasized that the cause of the crane incident will be investigated by NSW Police, and the driver of the crane, a male in his 20s, was reported to be uninjured and transported to St George Hospital in stable condition.
Emergency services, including NSW Fire and Rescue, are managing the spill of hydraulic oil at the crash site, which poses environmental and safety hazards.
Superintendent Adam Dewberry explained that the clean-up is complicated, particularly in a confined space like the tunnel, and stated that fire trucks were ready to be positioned at both ends of the tunnel in case the sprinkler system could not be restored swiftly.
Dewberry also noted that while the scene was contained, a vacuum truck was being dispatched to assist with the cleanup efforts.
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