Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 construction update September 2022
Despite the wet weather, all hands and machines were on deck in September as major construction moved closer to completion.
September 30, 2022
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 this 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.
During September, the entire alignment transitioned to a ‘live rail’ classification, meaning that rolling stock machinery like ballast trains, track tampers, regulators and flash butt welders may operate on the newly constructed track.
As these are high-risk activities involving large machines and for safety reasons, we ask the local community to be vigilant at level crossings and abide by all signage and directions from traffic controllers.
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
- Signalling 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
- Signalling 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.
Top image: Approach to Milguy siding, north of Moree
Bottom image: A ballast train travelling on newly laid track under the existing Newell Highway overpass
