More than 150,000 tonnes of ballast has now been dropped as the $235 million North East Rail Line upgrade continues with further work planned across the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
Since major works started with main contractor John Holland earlier this year, there has been:
- More than 150,000 tonnes ballast used
- 105km tamping delivered
- Approximately 100km drainage reinstated
- 17 Level crossing renewals completed
- 6 bridge deck replacements completed
- 4 pedestrian crossings renewals completed
ARTC General Manager Victoria Projects Ed Walker said the project is substantially benefiting the local economy.
“A key focus of the North East Rail Line upgrade is to ensure regional centres in North East Victoria directly benefit and we are proud that 38 local suppliers including 20 North East Victorian and 18 businesses from Melbourne are already contracted to work on the multi-million-dollar project,” Mr Walker said.
“More than $50 million has already been injected into the economy for goods ranging from takeaway coffee, rental properties for workers, our partnership with a medical care facility and roughly $20,000 per month invested in fuel from local suppliers.”
Major work to be carried out across the long weekend will include level crossing renewals and major work on the west track between Wodonga and Wangaratta. The level crossing renewals are at: Racecourse Road, Chiltern; McMahons Road, Springhurst and Bennetts Road, Springhurst.
Work will be carried out from midnight Friday 5 June to 6pm Monday 8 June and changed traffic conditions may be in place around work sites.
The North East community has also jumped at the chance to stay up to date with works progress with more 1000 unique users of ARTC’s interactive works map.
Community members can be kept informed of how work is progressing by viewing the upgrade’s project map updated with ‘after’ photos of recently completed level crossings and bridge upgrades at https://maps.inlandrail.com.au/northeastline/ and signing up to project updates at: artc.com.au/projects/northeast
ENDS
Media contact: ARTC media team – 1300 196 401