It was supposed to open in 2025. But now, transport authorities say the new M6 link in Sydney's south could be delayed for years. Tunnelling was halted in March after two sinkholes opened, and it's still not safe enough to restart work there.
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00:00The first sinkhole was bad enough news. The second, a sign of a much deeper problem.
00:08But back in March, transport officials were still optimistic.
00:11They're not expecting any delay to the project because of this.
00:14Seven months later though, completion of the M6 Stage 1 is still a long way off.
00:20Some advice from the contractor is definitely more than 24 months.
00:24Whether it's up to three years or longer, we're still working through that.
00:29The M6 Stage 1 will connect the M8 at Arncliffe to President Avenue in Coggera via four kilometre twin tunnels.
00:36The government says 90% of the tunnelling will be completed on time, but this 244 metre stretch is causing major headaches.
00:44We need engineering changes to ensure that it's safe and workable. I can't give you a date right now.
00:50Gas, water and high voltage power lines may need to be moved and they'll need to inject grout into the ground to stabilise it.
00:58The prior use of this area, it was used as landfill, so it's not solid.
01:06The government says taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for the undetermined cost blowout.
01:11It's negotiating with the contractor and insurers.
01:14The long-term plan is to extend the M6 south from here at Coggera all the way to the Princes Highway at Loftus,
01:21cutting out dozens of traffic lights on the way to Wollongong and the south coast.
01:25Land has been set aside, but the extension hasn't been funded yet and the government appears to have little enthusiasm,
01:31especially in light of this latest snag.
01:34We haven't made any announcements about further work on the M6.
01:39The government's key priority here is finishing what we've been left with here.
01:44Tunnelling through the soft ground won't resume until next year.