Construction Work
Major construction works to revitalise the Belair rail line (requiring a full closure of the line) started on Sunday, 26 April 2009, and was completed in August 2009.
These works involved a series of activities including upgrading the track formation, improving drainage and installing new concrete sleepers and new rail.
The works were undertaken by a joint venture of John Holland Rail and Coleman Rail. A key criterion for selecting this team was their demonstrated ability to undertake the construction works in the safest and most efficient manner.
Fast Facts
Renewal of the Belair Line included:
- installation of 23,500 new gauge convertible concrete sleepers
- bringing in 15,000 tonnes of crushed rock and 55,000 tonnes of ballast for the new base layer
- removal of 50,000 tonnes of old soil
- laying 32 kilometres of new rail
- over 7,000 truck movements next to the 16 kilometre construction site to remove old materials and bring in the new
- 120,000 workers hours
- up to 175 workers on site to complete the upgrade
- up to 30 earthmoving / construction vehicles on site each day
- provision of a substitute bus service used by approximately 1500 commuters each weekday (50% of train commuters).