Key Takeaways
- A large sinkhole has emerged at a sporting field in Melbourne’s north-east, near the North East Link project construction site.
- The sinkhole is about five metres deep and measures eight metres by eight metres, with no injuries reported.
- The area has been cordoned off, and the public is warned to avoid the site until further notice.
- The construction consortium, Spark, has taken control of the site to undertake assessments.
- The North East Link project aims to connect the Eastern Freeway at Bulleen with the Metropolitan Ring Road at Greensborough, expected to open in 2028.
Introduction to the Incident
A large sinkhole has recently appeared at a sporting field in Melbourne’s north-east, specifically at A J Burkitt oval in Heidelberg. The sinkhole is approximately five metres deep and measures about eight metres by eight metres, according to the State Emergency Service. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but the area has been cordoned off, and the public is warned to avoid the site until further notice. The emergence of this sinkhole has raised concerns, particularly given its proximity to the North East Link project construction site.
North East Link Project and Construction
The North East Link project is a significant infrastructure undertaking, valued at $26 billion. The project involves the construction of a 10km road, including 6.5km of tunnels, to connect the Eastern Freeway at Bulleen with the Metropolitan Ring Road at Greensborough. The construction consortium, Spark, is delivering the project, which is expected to open in 2028. The project’s two boring machines, named Zelda and Gillian, are operated 24 hours a day by a crew of up to 20 people. These machines are currently located north of the oval where the sinkhole emerged.
Response to the Sinkhole
The construction consortium, Spark, has taken control of the site to undertake assessments, and the area has been secured. The North East Link spokesperson stated that the area has been cordoned off, and crews are closely monitoring the site and surrounding areas. The spokesperson strongly advised people to avoid the area while investigations into the cause of the sinkhole are underway. The Banyule city council, which takes in Heidelberg, also warned people to avoid the area until further notice, and Victoria Police have cordoned off the affected area.
Impact on the Community
The emergence of the sinkhole has raised concerns among the local community, particularly given its proximity to residential properties. However, the North East Link spokesperson assured that there is no immediate threat to the community or residential properties. The government estimates that the North East Link will take about 15,000 trucks off local roads each day and reduce travel times by up to 35 minutes, which will have a positive impact on the community. Nevertheless, the incident highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and assessment to ensure the safety of the community and the construction site.
Previous Incidents and Project Timeline
Last February, an 18-metre deep sinkhole emerged near Zelda and Gillian, close to the worksite at Lower Plenty, which halted tunnelling on the project. The current incident is being investigated, and the cause of the sinkhole is yet to be determined. The North East Link project is expected to open in 2028, and the construction consortium is working to ensure that the project is completed on time and without any further incidents. The project’s website provides updates on the progress of the construction, including the location of the boring machines and the status of the tunneling operations.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the emergence of the sinkhole at A J Burkitt oval in Heidelberg has raised concerns, but the construction consortium and authorities are working to ensure the safety of the community and the construction site. The investigation into the cause of the sinkhole is ongoing, and the area remains cordoned off until further notice. The North East Link project is a significant infrastructure undertaking, and its completion is expected to have a positive impact on the community. However, the incident highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and assessment to ensure the safety of the community and the construction site.