I'm handling a project involving pipe-jacking underneath a major expressway. I'm engaged by the contractor to design the jacking & receiving shafts and also to come out with the construction impact assessmment. There are definite risks involved and these have been highlighted to the contractor. I've emphasized the importance of putting in place an action plan in case of sinkholes and also to station workers at all times on site to observe the expressway for signs of distress. But do they listen? No! They think I'm being paranoid.

Work proceeded generally problem-free until Thursday night. A depression was seen by a EMAS vehicle on a lane. They alerted LTA but it took LTA a while to find out that it was our project. By then it was close to midnight. LTA mobilised to repair the depression and I wasn't informed until the next morning.

Anyway after discussions with main consultant and contractor they decided to continue with jacking despite my reservations. My advice was for them to apply to close the lane during jacking works. But again, the rest felt it would take too long to get the permission and they had this deadline to meet. So they continue to jack however with proper supervision team this time.

And today, another depression appeared on the road. The lane was temporarily closed. When the contractor dug out the bitumen, they found a cavity 200mm wide gap about 2m by 2m and 1.5m deep 1.3m below the road surface. This confirmed what I'd been telling them all this time. Since there is 1 more lane to cross, again I asked the main consultant and contractor to talk to LTA about closing off that lane during jacking.

The reply from LTA is almost silly. The officer we spoke to has the authority to order lane closure. But she's not gonna do it if there's nothing wrong with the road, not even as preventative measure. She suggested that we monitor the next stretch of jacking and should there be settlement than she'll allow closure of this lane citing danger to public as a reason. I pointed out that already a cavity has formed in the previous lane. Isn't that reason enough? But apparently not. wtf!

It seems like LTA wants to see damage before they take any action. But this is stupid! Cavity forms but it may not be obvious because of the bitumen. And the sinkhole may appear suddenly if a heavy vehice goes over it, I mean, who knows? So why take such unnecessary risk? Just close the bladdy lane, jack the bladdy pipe and if no sinkhole.. good.. if sinkhole form.. no danger to anyone since the lane is close. Hell! what's so bladdy difficult to understand about that?

The contractor is more than happy to continue jacking since LTA did not impose any work-stop order. And I have no power to stop the contractor since I'm engaged by the contractor. Guess I'll have to send an email to put on record my objections. At least if something goes wrong, they can't point the finger back at me. But I hate having to do this. These people just never learn.

I was in a crappy mood today. Already I missed my drum lesson because I had to rush to the scene when the call came in. And it looks like I'll need to be at the site tomorrow too #$@%