On the fast track to improved rail reliability

With more than six million people using the over 100-year-old South Coast and 40-year-old T4 line each month, the line has been declared a “maintenance critical zone”.

This weekend, major trackwork is being undertaken on the T4 Illawarra Line and South Coast Line between Dapto, Port Kembla and Central.

Today at Engadine, a 250-metre section of track is being renewed. This includes:

• Replacing ballast to stabilise the track and help prevent future speed restrictions.
• Specialised welding works will also be completed which sees the rail cut, and taken out, to allow for it to heat up and expand in summer. This helps to manage rail expansion during summer months. In the winter additional sets of rails are added back in.
• Additionally, the drainage system will be graded to maintain track foundation integrity in wet weather conditions. 

On Sunday the team will resurface the section to remove defects and deliver a smoother ride for passengers.

This work represents the type of targeted, high-impact maintenance Sydney Trains is prioritising to create a more reliable network for the millions of people who rely on the heavy rail network.

The program forms part of Sydney Trains’ Reliability Action Plan, prioritising asset renewal and maintenance in critical zones across its 1700km network.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“The T4 and South Coast Line is critical infrastructure for commuters living across the region, and passengers deserve a rail network they can rely on.

“We’re delivering on the recommendations of the Independent Rail Review – investing $423 million in essential upgrades and fast-tracking maintenance work that keep our network safe, resilient and reliable.

“The disruption on the line this weekend is necessary so we can deliver a safer, smoother and more dependable service.

Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Matt Longland said:

“Our teams are working around the clock to lift performance and build a more resilient, reliable network.

“These upgrades are exactly the type of targeted maintenance that will make a real difference for commuters. By renewing track foundations, improving drainage and strengthening rail infrastructure, we’re reducing the likelihood of disruptions on one of Sydney’s busiest lines.”

Background

Following the release of the Independent Rail Review in September, Sydney Trains is accelerating work to strengthen reliability and safety across the network, with trackwork in the most critical zones enabled by an investment of $458.4 million.

Parts of the line will be closed Saturday morning, reopening Monday before morning peak:

• T4 Illawarra - buses replace trains between Cronulla, Waterfall and Central. Trains run between Central and Bondi.
• South Coast Line - buses replace trains between Dapto, Port Kembla and Central. Trains run between Bomaderry, Kiama and Dapto.

Work taking place along the line includes:

• Completing the rebuild of platform 2 at Jannali;
• Signalling modifications and testing in the rail corridor at Hurstville,
• Ballast cleaning between Waterfall and Coalcliff;
• Embankment and cutting stabilisation works at Waterfall, Stanwell Park and Coalcliff;
• Retaining wall works at Woolooware;
• Drainage works at Coledale; rail welding works at Waterfall; and turnout refurbishment at Sutherland.