Swietelsky Rail Australia kicks off 2025 with major project success
Last week, Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) launched its 2025 major project program with the successful completion of a large-scale ballast replacement, ballast cleaning, and corridor improvement project in Muswellbrook, NSW.
This marks the first major rail maintenance effort of the year for client Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and highlights SRA's commitment to delivering high-quality multi-disciplinary rail infrastructure solutions.
Over an intensive 72-hour closedown, the SRA team applied its comprehensive fence-to-fence approach to upgrading and optimising the rail corridor.
The project included:
- Ballast works: More than 3.5km of track ballast replaced, with 6,600 tonnes of new ballast installed.
- Track resurfacing: Over 18km of track resurfacing works, complete with dynamic stabilisation to handback at line speed and improve operational performance.
- Drainage upgrades: 5km of drainage improvements, including bottom drain remediation, vegetation removal, and ballast toe maintenance.
- Spoil management: On track transportation of all spoil material to designated unloading locations, mitigating local environmental impacts.
- Ballast undercutting: 305m of ballast undercutting, including a 15m bog hole at a set of points added to the scope after a defect was identified.
- Level crossing maintenance: Repairs to one tin top level crossing within the site, including improved approaches and drainage.
- Machine performance: 100 per cent reliability across all on-track machinery.
- Future planning: Track time used effectively for site assessments, scope validation, and track surveys to prepare for upcoming projects.
- Project milestones: Completed on schedule and incident-free, with all safety, environmental and quality aspects successfully managed.
This was another complex project delivered by SRA, requiring careful coordination, teamwork, and a commitment to safety, quality, and environmental protection.
SRA Operations Manager Ben Rogers commended the team for their dedication and precision.
"The successful delivery of the Muswellbrook project is a testament to our team's expertise and meticulous planning," he said.
"The works were completed without compromising quality or safety, reinforcing the importance of thorough pre-possession preparation in achieving seamless execution.
"Starting 2025 with a successful and incident-free delivery is a testament to our team's capability in managing large-scale rail infrastructure projects.
"The dedication of our workforce and subcontracting partners ensures we continue to deliver outstanding outcomes for our client."
Swietelsky Rail Australia continues to build its reputation as a trusted partner in rail maintenance and infrastructure, delivering projects that support the long-term performance of the nation's rail network.
Stay tuned through SRA social channels and Rail Express as they progress through an exciting 2025. Click Here for SRA LinkedIn.
