- Culvert upgrades are part of $1 billion Network Investment Program
- Infrastructure investment to build resilience along critical national freight link
- Upgrades improve drainage and reduce risk of flood-related track washaways
New culverts will strengthen the resilience of the East-West rail corridor, helping protect one of Australia's most critical freight links from the impacts of extreme weather.
Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will install four reinforced concrete box culverts between Kingoonya and Wynbring, near Tarcoola in South Australia.
The upgrades will improve drainage and reduce the risk of track washaways during flood events, strengthening reliability of the corridor linking Western Australia with the eastern states.
The works build on recent upgrades, including 22 culverts completed between Tarcoola and Port Augusta, and form part of a broader program to strengthen network performance.
The resilience works are being delivered across the East-West corridor as part of the $1 billion Network Investment Program, jointly funded with the Australian Government.
In addition to the culvert works, more than 32 additional maintenance activities will be undertaken including resleepering, rail replacement, track reconditioning, structural repairs, preventative maintenance and defect removal.
The culvert upgrades will be delivered during a planned maintenance closure on 18-20 April between Victoria and South Australia.
During the works, the network will be closed in stages between:
- Laverton to North Pyrenees from 3:00am Saturday 18 April to 6:00pm Monday 20 April
- Pyrenees to Stawell from 5:00am Saturday 18 April to 9:00pm Monday 20 April
- Serviceton to Mile End from 7:00am Saturday 18 April to 7:00pm Monday 20 April
ARTC has worked closely with rail operators to minimise disruption to services.
A bus service will replace the Adelaide to Melbourne Overland Service. Customers requiring information about their trip should contact Journey Beyond directly or call 13 21 47.
Motorists and pedestrians are reminded to remain vigilant near the rail corridor, follow all signage, and obey level crossing rules while works are underway.
Heather Parry, Director Infrastructure Projects, ARTC, said:
"The East-West rail corridor is a vital freight link connecting Western Australia with the eastern states, supporting the movement of food, consumer goods and other essential supplies across the country."
"These culvert upgrades are about strengthening the network in known risk areas and reducing the likelihood and impact of disruptions during flood events."
"They build on work already completed along the corridor and form part of our $1 billion Network Investment Program, delivered in partnership with the Australian Government to strengthen reliability across the national rail network."
