NOISY night works on the Regional Rail Link project are taking a toll on Footscray residents.
Heavy machinery, truck traffic, noisy generators and bright lights are causing sleepless nights in Raleigh Street and nearby neighbourhoods.
Footscray resident Joseph, who didn’t want his surname published, said the works were keeping his family and neighbours awake throughout the night.
“They have generators running all night and when I asked why they couldn’t provide power another way they said it is not cost-effective,” Joseph said. “This is going to be going on for years, but they are just looking at the cheapest way of doing things without looking at all of the benefits and drawbacks.” Night works began around Albert and Raleigh streets in June and have picked up pace since September. They will continue until early January, including the major rail works planned from the end of December into January.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Post a comment below.
Regional Rail Link communications manager Tim Holmes said the works were helping prepare for corridor widening near Raleigh Street and demolition of the Albert Street bridge.
He said plywood hoarding and foam might be wrapped around generators, but the range of activities meant equipment such as generators and light towers needed to be mobile.
“Temporary construction wiring has been considered as an alternative source of power. However, the nature of the work site means this would not be a practical solution,” he said.
Noise levels are measured and impacts minimised by scheduling noisy activities within normal working hours or in the evening.
Joseph said a number of nearby residents were elderly or had English as a second language and were not aware of their rights.
“I know it is important work that needs to be carried out, but more people need to be made aware of their rights and they should be listening to us,” he said. “They are saying that they will decide if you are being affected enough, but how would they know?”
Joseph said the problem was already affecting people’s health.
“Fatigue is a major issue. I’ve got to go to work early in the morning. What happens if you crash your car because you haven’t had any sleep and you kill someone?”
Mr Holmes said alternative accommodation was offered to nearby residents on a case-by-case basis where planned work was highly intrusive, especially over a prolonged period. “Other factors we take into account include proximity to the works and other individual circumstances.”
For more information on night works, phone 1800 107 925.
