One wall suddenly collapsed… A $2.3 billion project in Sydney has been forced to halt construction
A $2.3 billion work site in Sydney’s Inner West has been forced to halt construction after a collapse that cracked a busy road nearby, leading to indefinite closures.
Last Wednesday, a buckled retaining wall at the Erskineville Project triggered major traffic delays and created hazardous driving conditions nearby.
The wall collapsed prompting an immediate stop-work notice from SafeWork NSW. Facebook
Roads were shut after the City of Sydney Council said the collapse caused ground movement, bringing dangerous conditions on Mitchell Road, a main strip that runs from the South Eveleigh complex, down through Alexandria and Erskineville to Sydney Park.
SafeWork NSW ordered site developers Coronation Property to cease construction shortly after and to investigate the cause of the temporary wall’s buckling.
It told nine.com.au that it was informed about the sheet piling falling on July 22 and has since commenced an inquiry into the incident.
“As these enquiries are ongoing, no further comment is available at this time,” it said.
In a statement to nine.com.au, Coronation Property said the partial collapse, which resulted in no injuries, is under investigation.
“The cause of the incident is currently under investigation by the principal earthworks contractor, in consultation with Coronation Property, SafeWork NSW and independent engineers,” the developer said.
“The safety of the neighbouring community, our workers and the general public is our first priority. We recognise the disruption this has caused to nearby residents, businesses and road users, and apologise for the inconvenience.
“Remediation works and engineering assessments are underway, and we are working towards resuming construction activity as soon as these activities are complete.”
Northbound parts of Mitchell Road have been closed between Maddox and Coulson streets since July 24 due to the collapse.
The closure has led to major frustration for commuters who have been detoured onto Sydney Park Road.
A Transport NSW spokesperson told nine.com.au that temporary bus stops have since been established on Maddox Street and Euston Road.
“Mitchell Road is managed by the City of Sydney Council, which has implemented the closure,” the spokesperson said.
“Route 308 and Route 370 buses have been diverted and are currently missing approximately five stops in each direction.
“Operators have placed signage at affected stops. The impact on the performance of the two diverted routes has been negligible.
“There are currently no significant traffic impacts as a result of the closure.”
As of Wednesday, the southbound lane has also been shut to vehicles more than four tonnes, including buses, bringing even more headaches for commuters.
“City of Sydney engineers have examined the adjoining road and believe the collapse has destabilised part of Mitchell Road,” the council said.
“The road will remain closed until the developer completes repairs to stabilise the street and City of Sydney engineers determine it’s safe to reopen.
“We understand this is frustrating for the local community due to the impact on traffic, but safety remains our highest priority.”
It remains unclear when either lane will be fully reopened.
The local state MP, Jenny Leong, said Coronation Property needs to be held accountable for the collapse that has brought ongoing headaches to commuters in the area.
“More broadly, to guarantee that housing developments are constructed to a standard that aligns with the community’s expectations of safety and quality – as well as ensuring our existing community is kept updated and safe,” she said.
The developer said the site will be turned into a five-hectare multipurpose precinct with 1200 homes by 2028.
nine.com.au has reached out to the City of Sydney for further comment.
SOURCE: 9 NEWS
https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/nsw/mitchell-road-construction-site-wall-collapse-road-closures-sydney-20260730-p60k4w.html
