Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) has topped off another huge year in rail maintenance with successful completion of two projects in Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) last Hunter Valley major closedown for 2024.
These achievements are a testament to SRA’s ability to manage multiple, complex operations across different sites, maintaining the highest quality and safety standards.
The Baan Baa Ballast Cleaning Project
In November, SRA completed the Baan Baa ballast cleaning project, marking the final major ballast cleaning effort for 2024. During a tight 72-hour closedown, the team successfully delivered over 5.5 kilometres of ballast cleaning across a 15km rail corridor. SRA’s “fence-to-fence” approach included not just ballast cleaning but also track resurfacing and stabilisation, drainage upgrades, and level crossing improvements.
The team successfully installed over 9,200 tonnes of new ballast and resurfaced 23km of track complete with dynamic stabilisation to allow track handback at line speed. SRA also carried out critical drainage improvements over two large cuttings and upgraded several level crossings. These comprehensive works not only enhanced the track’s immediate performance but will significantly improve its long-term functionality and stability.
SRA Operations Manager Ben Rogers praised the team for their commitment and focus.
“Our delivery team’s experience meant that all project requirements were met without compromising on quality or safety. Demonstrating again that meticulous pre-possession planning is key to ensuring smooth project execution,” he said.
“The team worked exceptionally well together to deliver all client scope requirements, ensuring the track asset was fully restored and optimised for future performance.
“With the combination of ballast cleaning, resurfacing, and drainage improvements, we’ve not only met but exceeded the expectations for this rail corridor, significantly improving its long-term performance.”
Comprehensive Drainage Improvements in Muswellbrook
At the same time as the Baan Baa project, SRA’s drainage team was hard at work in Muswellbrook, completing over 4.5km of drainage improvements and vegetation control during the same November closedown.
This project involved challenging areas through two large cuttings with restricted access, and embankment stabilisation around three bridge crossings over Muscle Creek.
The drainage team also upgraded two level crossing approaches, enhanced several nearby access roads, and improved safety features in preparation for future works. Despite the complexity of managing multiple worksites within a busy corridor, the team delivered everything on time, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum quality.
SRA Project Manager, Andrew Petersen, reflected on the success of the project.
“Our drainage team showed exceptional skill and coordination to meet all of the project’s scope within the closedown,” he said.
“By improving the drainage and embankment stability around the bridges and crossings, we’ve ensured better long-term asset performance and safer conditions for all future rail operations in this corridor.”
These two simultaneous projects highlight Swietelsky Rail Australia’s ability to deliver multi-disciplinary projects with outstanding results. The team’s expertise, machinery, and detailed planning and project management activities ensure every aspect of the work is executed efficiently and to the highest standard.
Reflecting on 2024
Managing Director Anne Modderno highlighted that the November closedown marked a perfect conclusion to an exceptional year for SRA.
“Our team has had one of the most successful years in over a decade, showcasing our strong capability in ballast cleaning while also expanding our service offerings to include rail and civil maintenance, as well as project solutions for our clients,” she said.
“This year also saw significant upgrades to three of our key machines, along with a comprehensive redesign of our maintenance schedules to ensure we balance essential upkeep with our ongoing operations, driving positive outcomes for our clients. We’re already excited for an even bigger and better 2025.”
SRA’s year has been filled with notable achievements, including wins at the 2024 Hunter Safety Awards, successful recruitment campaigns both locally and internationally, and the securing of several long-term rail maintenance and resurfacing contracts.
Catch a glimpse of SRA’s 2024 highlights by clicking here.
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