Swietelsky Rail Australia Makes Another Major Milestone in Muswellbrook
This week, Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) took another successful step forward by completing critical ballast cleaning works in Muswellbrook, supporting the reliability and longevity of the ARTC heavy haul network in the Upper Hunter region.
Continuing its commitment to safety, quality and sustainability, the SRA team once again demonstrated their efficiency and resilience by not only meeting but exceeding project expectations. Despite challenging conditions heavy with rain, the crew delivered all planned scope plus an additional 600 metres, showcasing their ability to adapt and maximise project outcomes for their client.
The project spanned over 10 kilometres of the rail corridor, involving a combined total of 20 machines both on and off the track. Throughout the operation, the team maintained exemplary management of safety, quality, community, and environmental aspects.
The team delivered 3,975 metres of mechanised ballast cleaning (118% of planned scope), installing over 6,000 tonnes of new ballast in the process. Over 5 kilometres of drainage upgrades were completed, and an additional 260 metres of ballast undercutting to remove bog holes and improve performance in the area. The project was delivered incident free with the track handed back at line speed.
SRA's Operations Manager Ben Rogers expressed his pride in the team's efforts, saying, "Completing another significant project in Muswellbrook reflects our team's dedication and hard work. Delivering more than planned and maintaining a safe and quality-driven environment is a testament to the professionalism and capability of our workforce."
The team also took the opportunity to pause, reflect, and connect as Rail RUOK? Day coincided with the project. SRA marked #RAILRUOKDAY by acknowledging the importance of looking out for each other, actively encouraging everyone to take the time to ask their workmates how they're doing – today and every day.
"Especially in rail, as we are known for high-pressure environments, long hours, and challenging conditions, it is so important to recognise when someone might be struggling, and pausing to check in." Rogers said.
The project's success not only highlights SRA's technical expertise but also reinforces the company's commitment to sustainability, reusing all project spoil on site to complete critical safety upgrades to access roads. As a finalist in last months' inaugural Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards, alongside Rio Tinto and Aurizon, SRA continues to build a reputation as a reliable and future-thinking partner in rail maintenance and infrastructure projects.
SRA continues to build on its successful long track record, delivering large scale mechanised maintenance projects for the Hunter Valley heavy haul network for over a decade. Check out SRA media channels to truly appreciate the scale of these type of projects and see the team in action. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7313782498780401664
