THE ESA has the blessed news that the truck has finally left the Parkes Way tunnel in Acton in preparation for that arterial road re-opening.
The truck and excavator have been removed from the #Actontunnel pic.twitter.com/4u9bKx7brP
— ACT ESA (@ACT_ESA) October 22, 2015
The truck and excavator have been removed from the Acton tunnel.
WorkSafe ACT will now conduct a roadworthiness assessment of the truck and confirm the excavator is well secured. Roads ACT has issued a permit for the truck to then travel to the contractor’s yard in Hume via the Tuggeranong Parkway on an agreed route.
Further cleaning of the tunnel is currently being undertaken to ensure there is no asbestos contamination. WorkSafe ACT would like to reassure the public there continues to be no asbestos risk outside the tunnel.
It is expected that the westbound tunnel will reopen this afternoon.
Existing road closures and bus diversions remain in place until this time. Update to come.
14:40
And the first car is through!
First car through the now open #Actontunnel pic.twitter.com/TWL5dps54O
— ACT ESA (@ACT_ESA) October 22, 2015
The westbound lanes of Parkes Way are now open to traffic. The site has been declared safe by WorkSafe ACT following an extensive clean-up operation as a result of the truck collision in the Acton tunnel.
A reduced 40 km/h speed limit is in place for westbound traffic through the tunnel to ensure public safety.
ACTION bus services affected by the road’s closure have returned to normal.
Numerous ACT Government personnel and contractors have been working 24/7 since Tuesday to prepare the road for reopening to traffic as soon as was safely possible.
Great lengths have been taken to ensure the public’s safety before the road was opened, including removing over 10 tonnes of damaged bonded asbestos ceiling tiles, decontamination works, repairing the sprinkler system and returning lighting to the tunnel.
Works to re-tile the tunnel’s roof are being planned and will be undertaken outside of peak periods to minimise impacts on commuters. Further details of arrangements will be announced.
The ACT Government would like to thank road users for their patience while the clean-up operation was safely undertaken.
15:36
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