Just three weeks after a roundtable to discuss urgently required maintenance and upgrades in Wollondilly and the Southern Highlands, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) got stuck in.
The ARTC announced a 96 hour “super possession’’ from May 1 to May 5, enabling a coordinated package of essential maintenance and major construction works along this freight and passenger rail line.
Judy Hannan, the state member for Wollondilly, who took part in the roundtable organised by Jenni Aitchison, the NSW minister for roads and regional transport, Transport for NSW and the ARTC, says coaches and buses replaced train services during the 96 hour super passion period.
She said works included removal of selected temporary speed restrictions along the corridor, to support improved travel times to Sydney and a smoother, more reliable journey for passengers and freight.
It would also result in reduction in noise for Bargo residents, improved reliability, greater resilience to extreme weather, and more efficient rail services supporting local economies and supply chains.
Ms Hannan said that during the super possession period she personally toured the Main South Line (pictured above) under supervision of ARTC personnel.
“I witnessed the sheer volume of new ballast materials, crews operating the toys that undertake ballast cutting, washing, ballast replacement and tamping processes near Picton and Tahmoor stations,’’ she said.
“Also, I discussed other aspects including track replacement, signal upgrades, overtaking opportunity routes, new culvert drainage and Wellers Bridge in Bargo and more.’’
The member for Wollondilly said ARTC has broader upgrades under way on the corridor that will deliver further benefits.
These include new crossovers to enable more efficient movement of freight and passenger services, signalling upgrades, modernising ageing infrastructure, reducing the risk of failures and improving safety and reliability across the network.