Wednesday 11th June - Page 3

Is the earth moving for you?



The Empire .... shaking all over?

Report & Photo: Rob Lockyear

Fortitude Valley residents shouldn't get too excited if the earth moves for them in coming weeks. They can expect rumbling for the next few months as the $2.2 billion North-South bypass tunnel crawls its way towards the Brisbane River.

But if the noise is too disruptive, they may be able to be relocated.

Local councillor and former deputy mayor David Hinchliffe said the tunnel would soon pass under some of the Valley's key icons including the Jubilee Hotel, Brunswick St Station, McWhirters and the Empire Hotel.

Cr Hinchliffe said vibrations from the tunnelling could affect some buildings along the route.

"I'm told by experts associated with the tunnel that people on ground floors of some buildings are likely to hear the sounds of tunnelling for the several days that the tunnel is being worked on under their building," he said.

North-South bypass tunnel contractors LBB JV community relations manager Michelle Holden confirmed the tunnelling was about to reach the Valley.

"The first tunnel boring machine (TBM) is currently close to the Jubilee Hotel, with the second machine a couple of weeks behind," she said.

Ms Holden said residents on other tunnelling projects had experienced noise and vibrations for a period of three to four days while the 4000-tonne TBMs passed.

Noise levels were difficult to predict but alternative accommodation would be made available for those badly affected, she said.

"If a resident experiences sleep disturbance then temporary relocation of the occupants while the tunnel construction progresses past their residence is offered," Ms Holden said.

Cr Hinchliffe said anyone seeking information about possible compensation issues or more details about the tunnelling work should contact the project team on 3837 5075.