‘Real momentum’ as Inland Rail moves into next phase

The Kemp Street bridge in Junee has been demolished, in a major milestone for the Inland Rail project.  

To dismantle the bridge, railway infrastructure company Martinus removed concrete between spans and cut the steel structure, enabling the deck to be craned out in sections and lowered for removal.

Crews worked around the clock to remove six spans and five trestles of the bridge, involving approximately 100 tonnes of steel and 375 tonnes of concrete. 

Treaven Martinus, Martinus Rail CEO and founder, said: “Our people once again showed what can be achieved when expertise, preparation and teamwork come together. 

“Successfully delivering these critical works under possession highlights the capability of our teams and partners, and gives us real momentum as we move into the next phase of Inland Rail.” 

The work took place during the track “super possession” from Saturday 13 to Monday 15 September. 

Before the railway line reopened, Martinus completed work across multiple sites on the Albury to Illabo section of Inland Rail.  

More than 300 workers were engaged across the Albury to Illabo section during the possession, including 230 workers on site in Junee for round-the-clock construction activities, contributing to nearly 5000 hours of work at Kemp Street. 

Works were also carried out at the Riverina Highway in Albury, where construction teams worked a total of 1500 hours, installing new drainage pipes below the future dive site and re-routing conduits for signalling and communication cables. 

From Junee to Illabo, over four kilometres of track slewing was carried out and two culverts were replaced, with approximately 5000 tonnes of ballast used. 

James Kennedy, Inland Rail Delivery Director, Albury to Parkes, said delivering a large scope of works in a short window required detailed and methodical planning in close collaboration with construction partner Martinus.  

“The highly technical and delicate demolition of the 80-year-old Kemp Street bridge in Junee is a significant construction achievement, and we hope the community enjoys the benefits of the new bridge design,” he said.  

“I’d like to commend everyone involved in the planning and safe execution of this possession. We also extend our thanks to the local communities for their patience and understanding while these important construction activities were underway.” 

Following the possession, construction in Junee has now returned to standard hours of 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Saturday and no work on Sundays or public holidays.  

Road closures in Junee are now in place for approximately 18 months.