Power failure shuts M5 tunnel in both directions and leaves 60,000 homes without electricity M5 tunnel closed due to power failure in Sydney. MOTORISTS in Sydney's south are set for a miserable drive home with a power outage in the inner west closing the M5 East Tunnel in both directions and blacking out traffic lights across the inner west. A fault in the Ausgrid electricity network closed the tunnel at 4.35pm, shutting off power to 60,000 homes and business from Camperdown to Strathfield. The power outage has also affected services on the Inner West train line between Sydenham and Bankstown. Emergency crews restored power to the affected areas by 5.20pm, but commuters are being warned to expect long delays as traffic clears. Train passengers on the Bankstown line can use their train tickets to catch bus services. Ausgrid spokesman Anthony O'Brien told 2GB three zone sub stations had shut down affecting suburbs from Petersham to South Strathfield down to Belmore and Earlwood Crews were working to isolate the fault before beginning repairs, he said. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area and use the D5 alternative route around the tunnel. Westbound motorists should use: General Holmes Drive, Bestic Street, West Botany Street, Forest Road, Stoney Creek Road and rejoin the M5 East Motorway. Eastbound motorists should use: King Georges Road, Stoney Creek Road, Forest Road, Princes Highway and Marsh Street to rejoin the M5 East Motorway. "Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to isolate the fault and restore power," an Ausgrid statement said.