Labor to raise Skytrain safety issues when NSW Parliament reconvenes

LABOR is demanding an independent inquiry into safety concerns over the Skytrain being built at Rouse Hill as a part of the Sydney Metro North West Rail Link.

LABOR is demanding an independent inquiry into safety concerns over the Skytrain being built at Rouse Hill as a part of the Sydney Metro North West Rail Link.

Cracks at a section of the Skytrain at the intersection of Windsor and Old Windsor roads has forced Transport for NSW and its contractors to repair the damaged section.

Shadow Treasurer Ryan Park told Rouse Hill Times the safety concerns are very serious.

Earlier Transport for NSW (TfNSW) assured the public that the structure of the Skytrain to Rouse Hill is very sound after a damaged section was removed.

Ryan Park at the site where the damaged section of the Skytrain was removed after cracks were found last September.

“Media reports this week revealed that the Roads and Maritime Services became so concerned about the threat to public safety posed by this part of the rail line in Rouse Hill that its top officers pushed to halt construction,” Mr Park said on Wednesday at the site where the damaged part has been removed.

“We will be asking questions when Parliament reconvenes next month for an independent inquiry into the safety issues raised by RMS.

“It’s a red flag when the RMS, which has the responsibilities for motorists who pass underneath, has such serious concerns.”

Corner of Windsor and Old Windsor roads where the damage to the Skytrain is being repaired.

“The concerns raised by RMS are serious and we want all concerns raised by the RMS cleared up.

“Labor is calling on the office of Transport safety to conduct this independent review.

The Skytrain is dominating the skyline at the busy interesection of Windsor and Old Windsor roads.

“As well, Premier Mike Baird must make the result of the review public that locals can be assured that the rail line is secure enough to pass under and that community safety is the paramount priority.

Section of the Skytrain on Windsor Rd.

Rendel has been appointed by the Skytrain contractors Impregilo-Salini Joint Venture as proof engineer to perform an independent design check of the RMS-related sections of the viaduct as well as the cable-stayed bridge.

The 4km Skytrain, a major part of the Sydney Metro, will run from Bella Vista to Rouse Hill and consist of 115 independent “bridges”, of which nearly 100 have been completed and found to be structurally sound.