Sydney to a brick. Why we’re waiting so long for light rail
Bumbling light rail workers may be acting like a bunch of bricks, but the Transport Minister is just happy they’re making progress. A bizarre video went viral yesterday showing the slow movements of worked. WATCH THE VIDEO.
Bumbling light rail workers may be acting like a bunch of bricks, but the Transport Minister is just happy they’re making progress.
A bizarre video showing it took 10 of the burly tradies standing in what looked like a conga line to move a single brick went viral yesterday after it was posted on social media. A disgruntled poster simply captioned the video: “No wonder Sydney’s light rail is taking f … ing forever.”
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Last night the vision had already been viewed more than 42,000 times and it is just the latest in a long line of mishaps to hit the light rail and subcontractor Acciona, including reports of go-slows by workers and massive delays in construction.
But after viewing the video yesterday, rather than being left red faced Transport Minister Andrew Constance said “at least we’re seeing progress”, though he did admit it “wasn’t a good look” for Acciona.
It comes amid concerns the Spanish firm is once again falling behind schedule when it comes to removing barriers around the project.
“It’s great to see boots on the ground across light rail sites after previous go slows and I sincerely hope all those workers are being utilised to their full potential,” Mr Constance said. “I’ve seen the vision and I admit it does seem like a funny way to move pavers efficiently — but I’ve been assured it’s a common method used on worksites for laying pavers.”
But City of Sydney councillor Angela Vithoulkas, who is leading a class action for business owners against the project, said there was “complete disregard” from Transport for NSW when it came to ensuring the workers were being efficient.
“Apparently in this day and age the only way to get things done is to have a human chain,” Ms Vithoulkas said.
“It’s become so obvious to our international visitors, to our state visitors and to the daily workers and residents that this is the most ridiculous construction project ever undertaken in the history of NSW.”
The $2.1 billion project has caused a series of headaches for the state government, with the light rail now not expected to open until May 2020.
Acciona is also suing the NSW government for more than $1 billion over claims of “misleading and deceptive” conduct. Mr Constance accused the Spaniards of a deliberate go-slow over the spat.
In July ALTRAC, the consortium responsible for the light rail, said it would have removed barriers in the north of the CBD, Surry Hills and Moore Park by last month. However, an ALTRAC spokeswoman denied any go-slow.
“All contractors’ workforces are fully engaged and working towards substantial completion of the civil works by the end of this year,” she said.
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