Southwest Metro work window begins across rail corridor

The Southwest Metro construction program has entered a five-week work window. Its aim is to complete more than 335 “critical tasks” inside the Southwest rail corridor. That work brings the project closer to completion. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Southwest Metro construction program and testing pause

On-track testing on the Bankstown extension will be paused. The pause starts last Saturday, April 11, and lasts until May 1. This timing was reported by Rail Express. The pause is intended to provide a safe window for hundreds of crew members. They will carry out a significant program of work. Meanwhile, this window covers both platform safety work and other upgrades across the corridor.

Fixed gap fillers and other works before trial running

Also, that work includes installing 1140 fixed gap fillers across 10 upgraded station platforms. This detail comes from Sydney Metro. These are in addition to the 170 mechanical gap fillers that were previously installed. They will ensure there is no gap between trains and the curved platforms. This is a key safety feature for passengers on the new line.

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Other works include overhead wiring maintenance, minor bridge works, guardrail upgrades, ballast replacement and earthworks. Separately, station works will also be carried out. These include tiling, landscaping, painting and concourse works.

“The intensive program of work is critical to be able to progress to the next stage of the Southwest project – trial running,” said the New South Wales Government.

“When finished, it will bring conversion works across the southwest line to more than 85 per cent complete.”

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