Inland Rail makes major progress in Albury to Illabo possession works
Inland Rail has successfully completed a 96-hour rail possession between Cootamundra and Albury, delivering a significant package of works across the Albury to Illabo section in southern New South Wales.
September 16, 2026
The possession allowed crews to carry out construction activities at multiple locations across the Albury, Greater Hume, Lockhart, Wagga Wagga and Junee local government areas between 11 and 15 September.
A major milestone was achieved in Junee, where 15 bridge girders were lifted into place for the new Kemp Street bridge. Using a 650-tonne crane, crews installed the girders, each weighing between 44 and 48 tonnes, marking a significant step forward in the delivery of the new road-over-rail bridge.
Crews also removed the pedestrian footbridge at Junee Station and replaced timber support beams on the Olympic Highway bridge.
Level crossing upgrades were completed at Plunkett Street, Yerong Creek, and Brabins Road, Illabo. Track and signalling works, together with drainage, earthworks and culvert installations, were also completed throughout the Junee to Illabo section.
In Wagga Wagga, crews removed the footings of the former Cassidy Footbridge and completed drainage and concrete works at Edmondson Street bridge and beneath Pearson Street bridge.
Inland Rail Chief Executive Officer Sean Sweeney said:
“The extended track closure gave our teams the access needed to safely complete a substantial package of works across the Albury to Illabo section.
“The final installation of all 16 girders for the new Kemp Street bridge was a significant milestone and one of several important achievements delivered during the possession.
“We thank local communities for their patience and support while these works were carried out.”
Gavin Murphy, Martinus General Manager of Projects, said:
“”It took a big effort from our crews, working with Inland Rail, to get this much work done across these work sites during the 96-hour window.
“We are lucky to work in great communities along the alignment, working with many great local businesses as suppliers, and this has helped us to deliver these important works successfully.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience in Albury, Wagga Wagga, Junee, and elsewhere along the alignment while these important works are being carried out.”
Image caption: Wagga Wagga’s Edmonson Street bridge works underway during September possession.
