A weekend-long work blitz has taken place on the line south of Sydney to Wollongong, delivering critical maintenance and restoring 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 was undertaken on the T4 Illawarra Line and South Coast Line between Dapto, Port Kembla and Central.
At Engadine, a 250-metre section of track was renewed. This includes:
- Replacing ballast to stabilise the track and help prevent future speed restrictions
- Specialised welding works saw the rail cut, and taken out, allowing for it to heat up and expand in summer. In the winter additional sets of rails are added back in
- Additionally, the drainage system was graded to maintain track foundation integrity in wet weather conditions
On Sunday the team resurfaced 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 1,700km network.
NSW Minister for Transport, John Graham, said that 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,” Graham said.
“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.”
