Concerns on vibrations and cost at Melbourne’s Metro Rail Project

CONCERNS have been raised about vibration once major tunnelling begins in sensitive city areas, after machines at the City Square site were abandoned due to vibration and noise issues.

MACHINES brought in to ­demolish a car park for the Melbourne Metro Rail Project had to be abandoned because of vibration and noise.

The problem, which forced ­contractors to use “concrete pulverisers” instead of more powerful devices, occurred at the City Square site in the CBD.

Concerns have now been raised about vibration once major tunnelling begins in sensitive city areas, but the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority says there have been no delays and construction methods are constantly refined “to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses”.

Indicative image of the Metro Tunnel Project.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan has also dismissed fresh concerns about the project’s $11 billion price tag, which some industry and government sources say is at risk of ballooning.

Giant windows to be installed along timber fences on Swanston St later this month will allow visitors to watch the tunnel works.

Construction crews will be digging 11 storeys below the ground to build one of five new stations.

Flinders Lane will be disrupted during upcoming demolition works.

The project, which would link South Yarra to Kensington via a 9km rail tunnel under the CBD by the year 2026, is being described as a “cash cow” for builders.

Labor said it would cost $9 billion before the 2014 election, but that was revised up to $10.9 billion and then $11.03 billion at the most recent State Budget.

A spokesman for the MMRA said the project was “fully funded, on budget and on-track to be delivered by 2026”.

“We’re constantly assessing the way we are building the Metro Tunnel Project to minimise and manage impacts on commuters, local residents, businesses and other stakeholders,” he said.

Domain Road has been closed to allow for the Metro Tunnel works to begin. Picture: Kylie Else

Opposition treasury spokesman Michael O’Brien said growing concerns about costs were alarming.

“This project risks becoming a dud because of Labor’s incompetence,” he said.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said: “The project remains in budget.

“This is yet another in a long line of false claims about this city-changing project made by those who don’t want to see it built and if given the chance would never build it,” she said.

Ms Allan also encouraged people to see upcoming works in action.

“In the lead-up to Christmas, Victorians will get a behind-the-scene look at Metro Tunnel works with viewing screens on Swanston St.”