NSW rail clearways program on track

The program will divide the network’s fourteen metropolitan rail lines into five independent clearways to remove bottlenecks and junctions, reduce congestion and delays and allow for simpler timetables for more reliable and frequent services. Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (TIDC) is responsible for delivering the projects in the Rail Clearways Program on behalf of the NSW Government.
Eight of the 13 projects in the program have been successfully delivered, providing a number of benefits to commuters including significant improvements in service reliability and amenity.
The projects that TIDC has delivered to date have provided new platforms, turnbacks and stabling facilities, as well as upgraded stations. Accessibility has been improved at a number of stations through the provision of lifts and additional commuter car parking has been provided at some locations. Operational benefits are also already being realised, with new platforms and turnback facilities allowing for separation of services, reducing congestion and delays.
Projects that have been completed to date include: Macdonaldtown Turnback; Macdonaldtown Stabling; Bondi Junction Turnback; Five and Stabling. Major construction for the Homebush Turnback and Lidcombe Turnback has been completed with signalling and final commissioning works to be completed prior to the commencement of operations in 2010.
“These projects have been successfully delivered in a live, operating rail environment. Each project has required comprehensive planning and staging to ensure train services are reliably maintained throughout construction,” TIDC’s executive program director, Glenn Bentley said.
The full operational benefits of the program will be achieved with the completion of the remaining five projects being delivered by TIDC. The largest of the Rail Clearways projects, the Kingsgrove to Revesby Quadruplication, is currently under construction. The project, due for completion in 2013, will provide a second pair of tracks on the East Hills Line between Kingsgrove and Revesby, which will separate all stops services from express services to and from Campbelltown, one of Sydney’s biggest regional centres. This will allow for additional services to be provided to and from Campbelltown, as well as providing capacity for services on the future South West Rail Link.
Construction is also well underway on the Cronulla Line Duplication, which involves construction of a second track along two sections of the Cronulla Branch Line, Sutherland to Gymea and Caringbah to Cronulla. Upgrades to Kirrawee and Woolooware stations have recently been completed as part of the project, providing lift access to the platforms for the first time. Currently, the frequency of services on the Cronulla Branch Line is limited by the single track sections where trains cannot pass. When completed in 2010, the second track will allow additional services to be provided on the line, significantly improving rail services to the area.
In the north-west, the Richmond Line Duplication is an important project that will help cater for future demand from the fastest growing region of Sydney. The project is due to commence construction at the end of 2009 and involves the construction of additional track, as well as the relocation and upgrade of existing stations.
“The projects in the Rail Clearways Program are challenging. They are located in highly constrained sections of railway bounded by live rail infrastructure, adjacent commercial and residential development as well as road and pedestrian traffic,” Bentley said.
The Kingsgrove to Revesby Quadruplication, Richmond Line Duplication and Cronulla Line Duplication are all being delivered under alliance contracts.
“TIDC has chosen this delivery model for these important projects due to their size and complexity,” a TIDC spokesperson said.
“Delivering projects of this nature through an alliance contract allows risks to be better managed through a pain and gain share model. TIDC has enjoyed success on the Rail Clearways Program through its alliance delivery model, building strong relationships with its alliance partners to deliver improved project outcomes.”
The final two projects in the Rail Clearways Program, the Macarthur Station Upgrade and Interchange and the Liverpool Turnback, are currently in the design phase. New platforms and turnback facilities will improve reliability and capacity for commuters in south-west Sydney and Macarthur Station will also be provided with easy access facilities, a new bus interchange and commuter car park.