Action on the line ramps up as Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 project nears completion
Last month, the entire alignment transitioned to a ‘live rail’ classification, as rolling stock machinery like ballast trains, tamping machines, regulators and flash butt welders applied the finishing touches to newly constructed sections of track.
October 14, 2022
As these are high-risk activities involving large machines and for safety reasons, we ask the local community to be vigilant and abide by all signage and directions from traffic controllers.
Take extra care near the rail line and at all level crossings – stop, look, listen and then cross. STAY RAIL SAFE.
Despite the wet weather, all hands and machines were on deck in September as major construction moved closer to completion. Our contractor Trans4m Rail continued work installing turnouts, including the section connecting the Inland Rail line to Penneys loop.
Work on the road connections between the Newell highway and level crossings along the Narrabri to South Moree section also continued apace last month.
The entire Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 main line foundation, including earthworks, is now complete and new rail track installed all the way south to below the Newell Highway overbridge. The ballast train is also working its way north from Narrabri while another one travels south from Moree.
In October, access across some level crossings will be temporarily interrupted so Trans4m Rail can complete rail panel installation, rail tamping and destressing, install rubber panels and finish road sealing and line marking.
The project team will make every effort to minimise impacts on the local community while completing these important works and we thank everyone for their continued patience and cooperation.
Works planned for October 2022 include:
- Narrabri to Bellata
- Level crossing works
- Installing sleepers, rail and ballast
- Tamping and rail destressing
- Signaling and commissioning works
- Fencing and landscaping.
Bellata to South Moree
- Rail works including tamping and rail destressing between 1km south of Gurley Settlers Road and 4km north of Gurley Settlers Road
- Works at Gurley Settlers Road level crossing.
North Camurra and North Star
- Signaling works at Myall Downs, Croppa Creek and North Star
- Fencing and landscaping between Croppa Creek and North Star
- Finishing works at various public level crossings.
IMAGE: Tamping machine used to even out and compact top ballast
