During a five-day track closure, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) dismantled a steel single-track rail bridge and constructed a new concrete double-track bridge as part of the Botany Rail Duplication project.
The rail line is located in a constrained and high-traffic area, over a major road and situated next to Sydney Domestic Airport. Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) was utilised to ensure works were completed efficiently and safely. UHPC is extremely durable with a fast curing time.
The bridge works included moving and installing two 36.5m main bridge girders over Robey Street, weighing 330t each, during a five-day track closure. Twenty-four planks were also installed to form the bridge deck using a 600t crawler crane and a 650t mobile crane working simultaneously.
The project will duplicate the remaining 2.5km section of single line track to Port Botany, and construct a passing loop on the Southern Sydney Freight Line at Cabramatta to accommodate freight trains up to 1,300m in length.
The Federal Government is funding ARTC to deliver the $400 million project, which will deliver better access to global export markets via Port Botany, improve freight supply chains across New South Wales and help reduce the number of trucks on local roads.
Federal Minister of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “When it comes to delivering infrastructure, the Australian Government is focused on the long game.
“Port Botany is a major gateway for Australia and the world, and investing in its growth is vital to the economic wellbeing of the nation.
“When completed, this project will allow freight to be moved more efficiently and effectively, ensuring we are ready for an anticipated 77 per cent increase in freight task by 2036.
“This is another example of the Government delivering projects that will make a real difference to the lives of all Australians.”
ARTC Group Executive Major Construction Projects, Mike Zambelli, said the Robey Street bridge construction indicates major construction works are on track with the project expected to be complete in 2024.
“Not only will this project increase freight capacity, it will also encourage more freight movements to be made by rail – helping to shift freight away from road transport and reduce truck movements and associated traffic congestion,” Mr Zambelli said.
“Each extra freight train travelling on the Port Botany Rail Line will take up to 54 trucks off Sydney’s roads and that will be well received by local road users.”
Member for Kingsford-Smith, Matt Thistlethwaite, said, “This is a double win for our community that is removing more trucks from our busy local roads as well as supporting productivity at Port Botany.
“It is a welcome relief for Mascot residents that means less traffic congestion and noise from truck traffic being diverted to the rail line.
“Investing in this key infrastructure is vital in reducing delays and boosting productivity at the economic powerhouse of Port Botany.”
