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Truck causes major delays in M5 east tunnel

Truck damages M5 tunnel after entering despite carrying a load exceeding height restrictions

May 10, 2010

Motorists are being warned of significant delays in and around Sydney’s M5 east tunnel after a truck damaged the structure’s ceiling last week.

The rig entered the tunnel despite being above the height restrictions on May 5, damaging the ventilation and lighting systems.

It forced the closure of eastbound lanes for more than 12 hours, with a spokesperson saying the damaged area is about 50 metres long.

While police anticipate repair works may take weeks, the tunnel reopened yesterday after engineers fixed the metal safety barrier and the lighting system torn away by the truck’s load.

The driver escaped injury but was treated at the scene for shock.

A female driver of a vehicle close to the collision was also treated at the scene.

The Roads and Traffic Authority has set up diversions to help motorists gain access to the city.

The incident is still being investigated.

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