Ballast Cleaning and Drainage, ARTC Hunter Valley
Project Description
Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) has been the exclusive provider of mechanised ballast cleaning services for the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)'s Heavy Haul Hunter Valley network since 2014.
A free-draining ballast bed and effective drainage within the corridor are fundamental to the reliability of the rail network. The ARTC Hunter Valley corridor maintenance strategy includes provisions for ballast cleaning across identified rail sections to maintain optimal performance.
Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) has been actively involved in ballast cleaning within the ARTC Hunter Valley network since its establishment in 2011. In 2014, SRA mobilised a ballast cleaning consist comprising an RM80 ballast cleaner and a fleet of eight MFC 45 spoil-handling wagons. This advanced machine consist, supported by SRA's highly experienced operations team, has successfully delivered over 300km of ballast cleaning since the commencement of its dedicated contract.
For each project, SRA provides a comprehensive "fence-to-fence" betterment service, ensuring the best outcomes for the corridor. This approach integrates additional works such as drainage improvements and vegetation management into the ballast cleaning operations.
In May 2023, SRA was reaffirmed as the preferred contractor for ballast cleaning in the ARTC Hunter Valley network, with the contract extended through to 30 June 2025.
Project Stats to December 2023:
- Network | Hunter Valley, Heavy Haul
- Timescale | Works delivered across six major closedowns each year
- Quantity | 300km+ network ballast cleaned.
- Scope | Ballast Cleaning with a "fence to fence" betterment approach which includes spoil management, material deliveries, site coordination, drainage works, vegetation control, level crossing management and upgrades.
- Conformance | Completed sections handed back at line speed.
- Total length complete | 300km+
Client
Australian Rail Track Corporation
Range of Services
