Ballast Cleaning, Baan Baa

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.

Successful completion of this ballast cleaning project marked the final major ballast cleaning deliverable of ARTC's 2024 program. During a tight 72-hour closedown, the team successfully delivered over 5.5km of ballast cleaning across a 15km rail corridor. Our "fence-to-fence" betterment approach included not just ballast cleaning but also track resurfacing and stabilisation, drainage upgrades, and level crossing improvements.

The team successfully installed over 9,200 tonnes of new ballast and resurfaced 23km of track complete with dynamic stabilisation to allow track handback at line speed. SRA also carried out critical drainage improvements over two large cuttings and upgraded several level crossings. These comprehensive works not only enhanced the track's immediate performance, but will significantly improve its long-term functionality and stability.

SRA Operations Manager Ben Rogers praised the team for their commitment and focus, stating, "Our delivery team's experience meant that all project requirements were met without compromising on quality or safety. Demonstrating again that meticulous pre-possession planning is key to ensuring smooth project execution."

"The team worked exceptionally well together to deliver all client scope requirements, ensuring the track asset was fully restored and optimised for future performance. With the combination of ballast cleaning, resurfacing, and drainage improvements, we've not only met but exceeded the expectations for this rail corridor, significantly improving its long-term performance."

Project Stats:

• Network | Hunter Valley Heavy Haul NSW
• Works Program | Within 72hour Major Possession
• Ballast Cleaning Complete | 5,505m
• Track Resurfaced | 23km
• Scope | Multidisciplinary applying a "fence to fence" betterment approach including of spoil management, material deliveries, site coordination, drainage works, vegetation control, level crossing management and upgrades.
• New Ballast Installed | Over 9,200 tonnes
• Conformance | Completed sections handed back at line speed
• Project Completion | November 2024