Project Manager and Independent Reviewer’s Representative, Ian Whitton
Since the project commenced in December 2017, the independent reviewer team has been responsible for ensuring the design and construction comply with the specific technical standards and project requirements.
In short, it is the IR’s role to make sure that the work done meets the government’s expectations and that we give them confidence that the new infrastructure meets their requirements at the end of the project.
So, Ian tell us a bit more about the IR team,
“There are a total of around sixty people spread across three main streams – design review, program review, and construction surveillance – supported by a strong project controls team. Each day, each stream gets together virtually to check on work in progress and ensure we manage any issues with the various stakeholders.
“For example, in a typical day, the design reviewers may be reviewing design packages varying from intricate civil and building structures, mined caverns, and TBM tunnelling to station architecture to rail system designs, mechanical designs, or electrical designs. Due to the work’s interdisciplinary nature, design reviewers from each discipline need to interact regularly on all design reviews. There’s also a lot of interaction between design and construction etc.
One of the best things about the Metro Tunnel IR role is that you see how the full spectrum of engineering and design/construction disciplines come together on the biggest rail project in Victoria.”
So, should only the most experienced engineers apply?
“No, not at all, it is a great training ground for the next generation of engineers. We currently have six graduates on the project. Every day, they sit alongside some of the most experienced technical leaders and see how to check compliance with international design standards, operator MTM’s standards, and Australian standards. It’s an invaluable experience and something that will set them up for future success.”
How big is the project?
“In total, I would estimate that there are probably 2,000 people working on this tunnel and stations part of the project every day, across nearly 40 work fronts and offices in Melbourne.”
You describe yourself as a Jack of all trades, master of none, why?
“Before moving back to Melbourne for this opportunity, I was based overseas for 30 years. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on rail projects for more than 25 years in Hong Kong, Australia, UK, India, Thailand, Mongolia, Indonesia, and the Middle East. The best part about rail projects is that they are genuinely multi-disciplinary. I love the fact that you get a chance to engage in every technical area. One day we could be looking at civil works; the next day, we are looking at settlement impacts on buildings, material quality, power modelling, station architecture, or landscaping. The variety is endless, and in my role, I am lucky to be exposed to many exciting subjects, but as I said, I cannot claim mastery of any particular area.
“Meanwhile, the technical reviewers on the IR team go into detail to ensure compliance with standards and project requirements, working with the Design & Construct Contractor’s team to resolve any issues. The technical reviewers are the true Masters of their chosen disciplines.”
What do you like about the IR role?
“It is nice to work on a project where we genuinely collaborate with both the government and the Contractor. They recognise that we add value concerning complicated and sometimes contentious issues and proactively resolve them. They also appreciate that we can help them navigate the myriad of stakeholders. We can draw upon our global technical expertise to help identify potential solutions to technically challenging issues as appropriate.”
How has the project been through the coronavirus pandemic?
“Personally, before restrictions increased, I was cycling into the project office every other day but have now moved to completely remote working. Some other site staff needs to access the Project Office after site visits. But the majority of the team has seamlessly moved to remote working from home. The logistics of moving materials to sites around the city has become easier as traffic on the roads has reduced and there is less disruption with fewer people travelling in cars and on roads. On the ground, works are continuing across all fronts with great progress, and all four TBMs are now tunnelling. The health and safety of the community and the team is the number one priority of the Metro Tunnel Project and its construction contractors. There are comprehensive health and safety procedures in place for COVID-19 to keep workers and the broader community safe.”