Transport Heritage NSW is set to begin track resurfacing along the historic Loop Line. This is the final and most significant piece of work involved in delivering the Loop Line Upgrade Project ahead of test trains and commissioning.
Work is expected to begin from Monday 28 September, with ballast trains expected to begin deliveries from mid-October. Works will continue until mid-November, weather permitting. The works will be delivered by contractor Brimble Rail and will take place along the entire Loop Line corridor between Picton and Colo Vale.
Completing this work is an important milestone for the project. Once resurfacing is complete, final testing of the track can take place and test trains can begin running on the line. This brings the return of heritage train services one step closer.
What to expect
Track resurfacing will involve three main activities. Works will start with specialised tamping and ballast regulator machines operating along the corridor. A series of ballast trains will then bring in more than 15,000 tonnes of fresh ballast. The ballast will then be regulated to give the track a smooth, neat and stable finish.
Construction activity will generally be limited to standard construction hours, 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Activity in any one location will usually be short-lived as the machines work progressively along the line.
Residents near the corridor may notice some noise from track machinery and ballast trains, and some dust as ballast is placed. THNSW will work to keep these impacts to a minimum, and we thank the community for its patience.
Safety around the Loop Line
The Loop Line is an active railway corridor. During these works, track machines and ballast trains will be moving along the line, and may pass through level crossings at any time. Test trains will follow once the track work is finished.
Please keep yourself and others safe:
Obey all level crossing stop signs. Stop at the stop line, look both ways, and give way to any train or track machine approaching or entering the crossing.
Stay out of the rail corridor. Entering the rail corridor is dangerous and illegal. If you are near the line, stay at least 15 metres away from the track.
Watch from a safe distance. If you would like to see the machines at work, please do so from public areas outside the corridor, well back from the track.
Talk to your family about rail safety. Make sure children know the line is active again and that the track is not a place to play, walk or ride.
Expect movement at any time. Track machines and ballast trains are heavy, can be quiet, and cannot stop quickly or swerve.
For project updates on the Loop Line Upgrade Project, visit thnsw.com.au/loopline or call 1300 11 55 99.
THNSW thanks the local community for their ongoing cooperation and patience while it delivers this important work.
