After a track possession over the weekend, Inland Rail has completed works on the Albury to Illabo section, including the demolition of footbridges at Albury Station and Culcairn.
Together with construction partner Martinus, round-the-clock works were carried out by more than 800 workers at Albury, Table Top, Culcairn, The Rock, Uranquinty, Wagga Wagga, Junee and Illabo across the weekend to help Inland Rail complete the Beveridge to Parkes sections by 2027.
Inland Rail Delivery Director, Albury to Parkes, James Kennedy, said, “Working efficiently and safely in challenging hot conditions, crews removed the footbridges at Albury Station and Culcairn – two critical milestones in the upgrade program.
“Track possessions are rare and play a vital role in enabling significant works to be completed within a short timeframe, while minimising disruption to the rail network. This success reflects the extensive planning and coordination undertaken by the team.
“We extend our sincere thanks to local communities for their patience and understanding as these essential works were carried out.”
The removal of the Albury Station footbridge marks a significant milestone, paving the way for future double-stacked freight trains to travel on the line. During the track possession, the bridge spans were cut and then lifted out using a 150-tonne crane, with 28-tonnes of steel demolished.
To maintain pedestrian access during construction of the new bridge, detours are now in place via Harold Mair Bridge and Amatex Street bridge.
The new footbridge will enhance community connectivity and meet accessibility standards, featuring disability access at both ends and a dedicated rest area for pedestrians to appreciate the site’s heritage.
The ten-tonne Culcairn footbridge was also removed using a 100-tonne crane during the possession.
At Junee, construction continued on the new Kemp Street bridge, including piling and temporary works installation, fencing, track reconditioning and the relocation of railway signals.
Martinus Chief Operating Officer, Ryan Baden, said, “We collaborated with Inland Rail, ARTC and other stakeholders to deliver some very complex site interfaces across multiple projects.
“The team mobilised more than 800 railway workers to successfully undertake structure removals, earthworks, drainage, service relocations, signalling configuration changes and extensive track works across the program.
“The way our teams, Inland Rail and local stakeholders collaborated through each stage made the difference. The corridor is back online and we’re ready for the next stage of the program.”
