Major North East Rail Line works blitz – 14-16 March

More than 200 workers will deliver more than a dozen projects as part of the $235 million North East Rail Line upgrade this weekend (from 6am, Saturday 14 March to 6pm, Monday 16 March).

While works have been underway on the project for the better part of a year – this weekend marks the first 60-hour track closedown or ‘possession’ period to be delivered by major contractor John Holland.

John Holland’s project office is now fully established in Wangaratta with more than 100 people working full time.

“A key focus of the North East Rail Line upgrade is to ensure regional centres in North East Victoria directly benefit and more than 18 local businesses are already contracted to work on the multi-million-dollar project,” ARTC’s General Manager Projects Victoria, Ed Walker said.

Matt Tennant and his team from Seymour-based contractor, TENEX Rail, have been working on the project since early 2019. With a major pipeline of project work booked, they have been able to invest almost $1 million in brand new railway maintenance machines, upskill and extend the hours of existing staff as well as create several additional positions for locals.

With works taking place throughout the weekend, Mr Walker has asked the community to take extra care around worksites as a greater number of trucks and machinery will be in operation. There may also be some road closures and detours to be familiar with due to level crossing renewal works.

“While every effort will be made to minimise disruptions – we would like to thank the community for its patience with us while these essential works are being delivered.”

For more information on impacts to V/Line and NSW TrainLink services please visit www.vline.com.au and www.transportnsw.info .

ENDS

Media contact: ARTC media team 1300 196 401

Community members can be kept informed of how work is progressing by signing up to receive project updates on our website: https://www.artc.com.au/projects/northeast/ and by exploring our interactive project map which details key elements of the upgrade works.

WORKS SUMMARY

North East Rail Line Upgrade specific works 14-16 March:

Level Crossing renewals

  • Epping Kilmore Rd, Heathcote Junction
  • Rail St, Heathcote Junction
  • Schoolhouse Lane, Tallarook
  • High St, Seymour

Bridge deck replacements

  • Multiple locations south of Seymour

Minor Track works

Level crossing works, bridge works, tamping (30km), mudhole removal (1.5km), drainage and ballasting.

During 14-16 March, ARTC is also delivering a range of track and level crossing renewal works in and around metropolitan Melbourne, additional to the NERL Upgrade, which will also benefit North East line rail services.

Early Works already delivered

  • Early works have been ongoing since early 2019 and include ballast and track improvement, improvements to timber bridges, level crossing renewals and installation of new rail crossovers.
  • Major contract works started in February, commencing from Wodonga, moving south.
    • Ballast trains have been delivering ballast to various work sites for several weeks – with a major ballast stockpile established at Violet Town.
  • ARTC continues to progress a $14m signalling improvement project in metropolitan Melbourne.

Go to top