Work is underway in WA’s Avon Valley to re-rail 30 kilometres of life-expired railway.
The work began on the section of dual-gauge track between Avon and Kwinana in June.
Under a $16.3 million project, existing plain carbon 47-kilogram and 60-kilogram rail is being replaced with head-hardened 50-kilogram and 60-kilogram rail respectively.
1,800 sleepers are also being replaced.
Track slewing is taking place at various locations to maintain and improve track and structural clearances between adjacent tracks, track owner and operator Arc Infrastructure said.
Arc’s project lead for track and civil Nathan Byrne said the Avon Valley is a complex and challenging area to perform rail work, due to local terrain and access difficulties.
Compounding this is the dual-gauge nature of the track, necessary due to its strategic location.
“The Avon to Kwinana railway forms the western part of the Eastern Goldfields Railway and carries interstate freight services, grain traffic and passenger services,” Byrne said.
“The railway will remain active with one of the two adjacent lines operational to ensure minimal disruption to Arc customers.”
The work, due to be completed at the end of October, is being carried out by Arc Infrastructure in partnership with a contractor, employing a combined team of around 70 people.