Truckies face a darker – and slower – ride through Cudgen Tunnel this month after a copper wire theft last weekend.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) said the act of vandalism shut down the Pacific Highway tunnel’s lighting system, which requires the speed limit through it to drop from 110 to 80km/h for driver safety.
A control room housing the main switchboard that supplies communications for the 134-metre-long tunnel had its copper wiring ripped out, while the nearby high voltage transformer providing the power supply was also vandalised.
The power supply was isolated before inspections and repairs to cut cables began on Sunday. Repairs are likely to take all of this month to complete due to the damage, said TfNSW.
TfNSW Executive Director Regional Road Network Maintenance Alistair Lunn said this should not be considered a petty act.
“This copper theft has interrupted the tunnel’s power supply and inconvenienced thousands of motorists who take this route on the Pacific Highway,” Lunn said.
“It’s an extensive and expensive repair job but what’s worse is that this malicious damage could have put lives at risk, including those responsible.
“For anyone driving through the Cudgen Tunnel please turn your headlights on while tunnel lighting is out and drive to the reduced speed limit of 80 kilometres an hour.”
The matter has been reported to NSW Police who are investigating. If anyone has any information about the incident contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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