The design and construct contractor for Sydney’s M6 motorway has agreed to continue some surface works, despite calling a halt to tunnelling in May.
Transport for NSW says CGU, which comprises CPB Contractors, Ghella, and UGL, will complete the transformation of President Avenue in Kogarah after an agreement was reached.
This includes finishing road works on President Avenue, Princes Highway and surrounding streets, completing the majority of the 5km of shared pedestrian and cyclist pathways, and revitalising some of the surrounding public parks. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The work will be funded from the project budget of A$3.1bn (€740m).
Transport for NSW has also reached agreement where CGU will continue to maintain the security and safety of the tunnels and tunnelling construction sites for the next three months while technical and commercial assessments continue.
CGU stopped work in May, citing unexpected tunnelling conditions. There were two subsidence incidents on the project last year.
Transport for NSW says the project “is very well progressed, with nearly 90% of the M6 tunnels excavated and close to half of the road pavement laid. The excavated tunnel is safe and the area of subsidence is stable”.
Transport for NSW secretary Josh Murray said the agreement with CGU would allow the government to continue work on a solution that would lead to tunnelling being completed, while the contractor continued to play its role in securing the construction site.
CPB Contractors executive project director Terry Sleiman said: “We appreciate the community’s patience throughout the construction of the M6 Stage 1 and are pleased to have reached a new agreement with Transport to complete the surface works.
“This phase is a vital part of the project, as it delivers tangible benefits to the community including safer roads, new walking and cycling paths, as well as revitalised green spaces.”
