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Lessons learnt from working on Sydney Metro projects – Part 1

MCE has been instrumental in delivering Australia’s largest public transport project — Sydney Metro. The recent successful opening of the City line has provided valuable lessons that will guide the future of rail project development. These insights are key to fostering continuous improvement, ensuring future projects build on past experience for more efficient and successful outcomes.

Based on our MCE team’s first-hand experience, here are some of the key lessons learnt:

Contracting Model that Supports Effective Delivery
The contracting model incorporated risk management mechanisms that granted contractors greater autonomy when responding to unexpected changes. By empowering contractors to take ownership of risks, it encouraged proactive problem-solving which helped prevent project delays. Contractors were given the flexibility to evaluate and act on the significance of changes post-design approval for construction purposes. This flexibility, however, came with the responsibility of self-certifying at their own risk, providing a balance between program benefits and accountability while maintaining overall project integrity.

Adapting to Changes/Challenges
The flexibility and resilience demonstrated by the wider project team were key contributors to the project’s success. The team’s ability to seamlessly and collaboratively adapt, using tools like BIM for virtual workshops and site inspections, was crucial in maintaining project momentum during challenging periods like the COVID-19 pandemic. The advanced use of BIM was rigorously tested on this project, facilitating effective coordination and decision-making despite physical constraints. This has set a strong precedent for future projects in remote or resource-constrained environments, showcasing how technology can drive project continuity and efficiency under challenging conditions.

Other lessons learnt will be detailed in Part #2….

For further information on the project skills and expertise of our MCE Team please email us at info@mce-aus.com for our detailed Capability Statement.

Author: Stanley Weng


Date: Oct 23, 2024
AUTHOR: Nicky Fell
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