Arc Infrastructure has successfully completed a range of critical upgrade works on Western Australia’s freight rail network, timed within an 86-hour shutdown last week.
Arc’s Major Projects, Mobile Maintenance, Third Party Projects, Planning and Contract Services, Regional Teams from Metro, Central, Goldfields and the Rail Recovery Team utilised the four-day shutdown to complete works on several rail lines within the Arc network, in one of the most extensive simultaneous works programs the business has ever undertaken.
A variety of critical upgrades were completed between 1 – 4 October, including:
- Three dual-gauge turnout replacements at Moondyne, Avon Valley – Avon-Midland line.
- Installation of the first High Level Platform, Merredin – Eastern Goldfields Railway (EGR).
- Three culvert replacements, from Bungulla to Hines Hill – EGR.
- Support for the demolition of the old Walgoolan Road bridge, Carrabin – EGR.
- Beaton Road Level Crossing upgrades, Southern Cross – EGR.
- Supporting the Midland Station Redevelopment project, including removal and replacement of two end of life turnouts and commissioning of new signalling infrastructure – Midland.
- Various other track upgrades, including a turnout replacement at Carrabin, Jaurdi Crossing Loop upgrade and multiple rerailing sites across three regions.
In Midland alone the team required 550 metres of track and 2000 tonnes of ballast to complete the required works.
Of the three culverts on the EGR, one required the placement of 36 culvert boxes using two 90 tonne cranes to create nine openings. A culvert is structure that channels water past an obstacle. A culvert box is precast concrete structure that is shaped like a rectangle or a square.
The upgrades were carefully coordinated to minimise disruption to customers while maximising the volume of work that could be completed during the planned shutdown.
Chief Executive Officer Murray Cook acknowledged the significant effort that went into planning and delivering the works.
“The careful planning and coordination required to complete such a volume of work safely in a short timeframe and to such a high standard is a credit to our people and all the contractors supporting these works,” he said.
“To support these works Arc utilised additional resources, including equipment hire and labour from more than 10 separate contractor and supply companies.
“The successful completion of the planned works is a credit to those involved, especially considering the challenging weather conditions faced during the shut, including high winds, rain and lightning.
“I’m proud that we have been able to safely execute these upgrade works, which enable the continued safe and efficient operation of the State’s freight rail network.
“Maintenance activities and upgrades mean the network we manage continues to reliably connect local businesses, communities and industries with eastern states and overseas markets.”
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