Major works delivered during 96-hour track possession
Inland Rail has successfully completed construction activities during a 96-hour track possession on the Albury to Illabo section of the project.
May 19, 2026
Together with construction partner Martinus, work was carried out at 12 Inland Rail sites across Albury, Wagga Wagga and Junee.
The possession brought together more than 700 personnel, including engineers, supervisors and track workers. Across the four days, crews excavated over 6,000 cubic metres of material and installed 80 linear metres of culvert segments.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation track re-opened for rail services on Wednesday morning.
In Albury, crews installed new top chords on the Murray River bridge to increase clearance for double-stacked trains.
Work at Murray River Bridge during the May 2026 track possession.
At Albury Yard teams installed undertrack signalling routes and relocated the mainline track under the Riverina Highway road bridge. This work enables the upcoming track lowering to be completed adjacent to the bridge.
Albury Station Yard work during the track possession, May 2026.
Crews also achieved a key milestone at the Billy Hughes bridge in Ettamogah, completing the first stage of track lowering, despite challenging weather conditions.
Work at Billy Hughes Bridge during the May 2026 track possession.
In Wagga Wagga, major activity took place across several sites.
At Edmondson Street bridge, piling and excavation works were carried out for new abutments and pier footings.
Work at Edmondson St bridge in Wagga Wagga during the May 2026 track possession.
Nearby, the main span of a temporary footbridge was installed at Cassidy footbridge to maintain pedestrian access during upcoming demolition of the existing structure.
A temporary footbridge being installed near Cassidy footbridge, during the May 2026 track possession.
Works also got underway at Pearson Street bridge, including concrete piling for future deflection walls and relocation of water utilities to support track lowering.
Work at Pearson Street bridge in the May 2026 track possession.
In Junee, works continued at Kemp Street bridge with piling and construction of new concrete piers.
Work at Kemp St bridge during the May 2026 track possession.
At the Olympic Highway rail bridge, abutment works and a track slew were completed.
Work at the Olympic Highway bridge during the May 2026 track possession.
North of Junee, the project also replaced an existing steel rail bridge with new concrete culverts to support and improve flood performance as well as increase the track separation to support future double-stacked trains.
Work between Junee and Illabo during the May 2026 track possession.
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