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-------------------------------------------------------------- This story was printed from ZDNet Australia. --------------------------------------------------------------
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IT glitch shuts down Sydney's M5 By AAP September 22, 2008 URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/software/soa/IT-glitch-shuts-down-Sydney-s-M5/0,130061733,339292133,00.htm
 Sydney motorists are facing lengthy traffic tailbacks and delays today after a computer problem forced the closure of the M5 tunnel for the second time in three months. The Roads and Traffic Authority said the M5 East motorway was closed in both directions just after 9AM today between the airport and King Georges Road, including the tunnel. Ninety minutes later it was still closed, with no word on when it might be reopened. NSW Premier Nathan Rees said he was informed of the computer malfunction, and the M5's closure, just before 10am. "I've got to say I'm filthy about it," he told reporters. "This is the second time this has occurred in a relatively short period of time, and I want to get to the bottom of that today. "I'll be speaking to the roads minister as soon as I leave here." Rees was giving a press conference in Sydney's south-west, where he announced a plan to cut delays in the rollout of infrastructure in schools. A computer crash also forced the closure of the M5 on June 25, when it was shut to traffic for nearly five hours. At the time of that closure, the NSW government committed to a thorough review of the tunnel's operating system, after it emerged a backup system which should have kicked in had also failed. An RTA spokesman today said it appeared the backup had again failed, but the initial computer problem was different to the one in June. "That's not going to make any difference for anyone stuck in traffic and we understand motorists' frustrations ... We are working to get it re-opened as soon as we can," spokesman Alex Brown told Fairfax Radio Network. "We've got technicians down there, and the company which operates the M5 has got its technicians on site. We're working with them to, obviously, get the tunnel re-opened as quickly as possible." Brown said the tunnel had to be closed to traffic because its safety equipment was disabled when the tunnel's computer was down. "Obviously, under those circumstances we've got no choice but to have the tunnel closed in both directions," he said. "Traffic is heavy, we do urge people to ... avoid the area. Please plan ahead." © 2008 Australian Associated Press Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors. This is the ZDNet Australia TM service with content provided by AAP. AAP reserves all rights, including copyright, in services provided by it. The information, text and images in the service are for personal use only and may not be re-written, copied, re-sold or re-distributed, framed, linked or otherwise used whether for compensation of any kind or not, without the prior written permission of AAP. This service is published for information only without assuming a duty of care. AAP is not in the business of providing professional advice, and gives no warranty, guarantee or other representation about the accuracy of the information or images contained in this service. AAP is not liable for errors, omissions in, delays or interruptions to or cessation of the services through negligence or otherwise. The globe symbol and "AAP" are registered trade marks.
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