Melbourne traffic issues after crane collapse still sustain

Traffic issues are still evident on the West Gate Freeway due to the crane collapse in Melbourne construction site on Friday afternoon. The crane collapse has caused traffic chaos in the area during peak hours of the day and the authorities are still warning public to co-operate till Tuesday. The Kings Way exit ramp off the West Gate Freeway was closed post-crane collapse incident on a building nearby.

The crane pieces will begin to dismantle on Monday morning. The sudden shutdown of the roadways has led to the increased traffic issues more than 20 kilometres to Laverton on the West Gate Freeway.

Steve Bean from VicRoads said that the roadways were expected to clear on Tuesday afternoon. “Drivers may want to use alternative routes if they can, however, if they need to travel that way, the detours in place are via Montague Street or the Burnley tunnel,” he said . He asked the drivers taking that way to be patient while driving.

According to the Metropolitan Fire Brigarde or MFB, the crane was in operation to jack up to the next level when a hydraulic support seemed to give way at the Southbank site near the Kavanagh Street and Kings Way. However, the collapsing of the crane was by itself. There was a significant reason. One of the hydraulic ramps has failed. After the destruction, the crane was found resting on the list shaft 50 metres above the ground inside the building.

The witnesses of the incident stated that they heard a crane cord snap, which sounded like an explosion. This accident injured a worker and also caused inconvenience to the general public.

“If it did come down and fingers crossed that it won’t, but it’s a safety measure, the crane is virtually above the roadway there so we’re taking no chances,” Mr Bean said.

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