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Canberra Today 12°/16° | Saturday, March 30, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Parkes Way might be re-opening this afternoon

THIS just in from the ESA:

THROUGHOUT the night extensive clean-up work was completed within the tunnel, with the removal of more than 120 affected panels. Collectively these weigh over 10 tonnes.

The lights and sprinkler system on both sides of the tunnel have been tested and are now operational.

Crews are expected to remove the vehicle from the Acton tunnel later this morning. Roads ACT will issue a permit this morning for the truck to exit the tunnel and travel to the contractor’s yard in Hume via the Tuggeranong Parkway.

Workers are continuing to make the surrounding area safe with additional clean-up work required.

Further extensive safety and engineering assessments must be completed before the tunnel is opened to traffic. It is hoped it will reopen this afternoon, but safety must remain the highest priority.

Existing road closures and bus diversions remain in place.

Update to come.

09:54


And more:

The removal of the truck and excavator is progressing slowly due to the significant safety precautions required when dealing with asbestos.

A removal plan has been finalised for the truck and excavator. This involves techniques such as the use of high pressure water blasting and wrapping the bucket of the excavator, which have small particles of asbestos in it, with plastic due to its shape.

Once the truck and excavator is removed from the tunnel, WorkSafe ACT will conduct a roadworthiness assessment of the truck and confirm the excavator is well secured.

At this stage further cleaning of the tunnel must be undertaken, including to the drainage and road pavement, 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.

The key priority is to undertake all work in a safe manner. It is still hoped the westbound tunnel will reopen sometime this afternoon, but safety must remain the highest priority.

Existing road closures and bus diversions remain in place.

Update to come.

12:21

[Photo via ESA]

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