The Cross River Rail site at Roma St was temporarily flooded after crews accidentally drilled into a 130-year-old water main, causing a significant water leak.
Footage has surfaced showing the Roma St construction site flooded after the water main burst, leaving the area looking more like a water park than a rail site. The incident occurred during ongoing works at the Cross River Rail project, with workers conducting a Dial Before You Dig assessment before drilling, yet the old main was not detected.
The leak turned the area into a temporary pool, much to the surprise of local residents and passersby. In the video, one person comments humorously on the situation, describing the scene as a “bit of mischief.”
Response and Rectification
Urban Utilities responded immediately to the situation, dispatching a crew to shut off the water supply as quickly as possible. Despite the large amount of water that flooded the site, there were no interruptions to water services for nearby residents or businesses, nor were there any traffic disruptions reported.
By Monday evening, 23 Sept 2024, Cross River Rail authorities confirmed that dewatering activities had been completed at the site. A spokesperson from the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority stated that safety and environmental management were being handled in accordance with strict guidelines. Rectification works are ongoing to repair the damaged water main and ensure the site continues to meet environmental standards.
Impact on the Project
Despite the disruption caused by the incident, the wider worksite at Roma St remains operational. The Cross River Rail project continues without significant delay, with teams ensuring that the repairs and environmental precautions are in place to prevent any future issues.
Urban Utilities has expressed satisfaction with how the contractor handled the clean-up and repair process. The quick action of both the Urban Utilities team and Cross River Rail contractors ensured minimal impact on the community and the ongoing project.
Published 25-Sept-2024
