Sydney Metro flooding prompts review of network
Extreme flooding within the Sydney Metro should be the catalyst for the NSW government to consider making changes to the multi-billion dollar system, the state’s transport boss says.
More than five million litres of water poured into the Metro tunnels over the weekend, flooding the deepest areas up to platform height and cancelling parts of services for three days.
The flooding occurred in the decade-old tunnels between North Ryde and Chatswood, which were retro-fitted during construction of the new Metro.
Transport for NSW chief operating officer Howard Collins said the weekend’s heavy rain had prompted a review.
“I think it’s time with our colleagues in Metro to have a real look at what we can do there,” he said on Wednesday after the service reopened.
“People talk about a ‘once in a lifetime storm’, I’ve learned in Australia that’s generally once a year, so my view is lets build in some more resilience.”
A photograph understood to be Sydney's flooded Metro network.
While the new Metro tunnelling features waterproof gaskets that prevent flooding, the old tunnel - which was opened in 2009 - relies on pumps to get rid of water that seeps into the network.
Mr Collins said it was not a mistake government used existing tunnels, even though they had flooded before, but added that a review assessing the resilience of the equipment would be welcomed.
"I know my colleague Jon Lamonte [chief executive of Sydney Metro] ... is working with the operators about looking and reassessing some of the infrastructure," he said
"They are doing a review and I think we will find that we'll get an understanding ... what is the best way of securing the integrity and robustness of those assets."
He added that issues weren't contained to the Metro, with many services affected by the storms.
Train and light rail services were cancelled across the city, while several arterial roads and bridges also closed.
Mr Collins said it would be “several weeks” before the fire-ravaged Blue Mountains line would be reopened after it was also impacted when a large section of land gave way under the tracks near Leura.
Transport for NSW chief operating officer Howard Collins said flooding had prompted a review of the metro service.Credit:Kate Geraghty
He said engineers were working hard to rebuild parts of the fire-affected network and attempting to redesign facets of the track in weeks, when it would normally take a year.
Acting Transport Minister Paul Toole described the rebuilding work at the landslide site as “a huge job”.
"We understand this ongoing closure may cause some frustration for customers, but we thank you for your patience as we continue to rebuild the rail corridor,” he said.
Sydney Trains staff have secured the track, and are working to stabilise the land, he added.
Mr Collins said there was still no overall damage bill for the clean-up, but added that the overall cost shouldn’t be a priority.
The new Sydney Metro service.Credit:Yianni Aspradakis