Inland Rail track possession swaps Broadford’s Short Street bridge

Inland Rail track possession works over the weekend delivered the replacement of the old Short Street bridge at Broadford in Victoria, marking what the project describes as an “important milestone”, as reported by Rail Express.

Inland Rail track possession and the Short Street bridge Broadford works

As part of the Inland Rail project, the ageing structure was demolished and replaced with a new, higher bridge to provide enough clearance for double-stacked freight trains, as Inland Rail notes. Meanwhile, the work took place during a 40-hour closure of the Albury line, giving Inland Rail and construction partner John Holland the window to complete large-scale works between Wandong and Benalla.

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Also, at Broadford, the former bridge that crossed the ARTC and V/Line tracks was removed using excavators fitted with specialised attachments. Four-hundred tonnes of bridge rubble was taken away, with the material recycled.

Works between Wandong and Benalla continue during the Albury line closure

In addition, during the 40-hour track possession, piling works were completed at Tallarook. At the same time, drainage activity and vegetation removal took place at Seymour as both sites are prepared for track lowers under the Hume Freeway later this year.

Separately, crews also constructed piling pads at the Marchbanks Road site, installed batter protection at Hamilton Street in Broadford, and carried out detailed survey works at Wandong. Signalling cables were installed and electrical trenching took place at Benalla, and work continued on the new rail bridge over the future Anderson Street underpass at Euroa.

Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury section: community message from David McGranaghan

Inland Rail Beveridge to Albury Delivery Director David McGranaghan said the removal of the Short Street bridge was an “important milestone” for the team and exciting for Broadford residents, as previously covered by Railway Supply.

“We thank the local communities for their patience and understanding while these important works are being completed.

“Track possessions are important for the team to safely complete a large volume of work while trains are suspended.”

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