Progress on the Inland Rail project in Victoria surged over the weekend as a 40-hour shutdown of the Albury line enabled large-scale works, including the demolition of the old Short Street bridge at Broadford.
From Wandong to Benalla, Inland Rail and construction partner John Holland carried out a range of around-the-clock works.
“Another safe and successful track possession has been delivered as planned and the line handed back on time. The removal of the Short Street bridge was an important milestone for the team and is exciting for Broadford residents as we move closer to fully opening the new bridge,” said David McGranaghan, delivery director for Beveridge to Albury at Inland Rail.
“We thank the local communities for their patience and understanding while these important works are being completed. Track possessions are important for the team to safely complete a large volume of work while trains are suspended.”
The old Short Street bridge, which crossed the ARTC and V/Line tracks at Broadford, was demolished and has been replaced with a higher bridge to provide clearance for double-stacked freight trains.
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Using excavators with specialised attachments, 400 tonnes of bridge rubble was removed and recycled.
Piling works continued at Tallarook, while drainage and vegetation removal took place at Seymour as both sites are prepared for track lowers under the Hume Freeway later this year.
Piling pads were constructed at the Marchbanks Road site, batter protection was installed at Hamilton Street in Broadford and detailed survey works were undertaken at Wandong.
Signalling cables were installed and electrical trenching took place at Benalla, while work continued at Euroa on the new rail bridge over the future Anderson Street underpass.