Inland Rail crews descend on Junee for two-day work blitz

JUNEE’s Kemp Street bridge site will once again be transformed into a hive of activity this weekend, as Inland Rail crews descend on the town for a major two-day work blitz.

It marks the first full shutdown of the rail corridor through Junee since the demolition of the Kemp Street bridge in September, which saw the 80-year-old structure’s six spans and five trestles removed in a high-intensity operation.

Beginning 6am Saturday, December 6, Martinus Rail crews will work around the clock to undertake essential upgrades across multiple sites between Albury and Illabo, to prepare the line for future double-stacked freight operations.

Photo: Supplied/Inland Rail

Photo: Supplied/Inland Rail

Junee’s Kemp Street bridge crossing will remain closed for up to 18 months as construction progresses on a new, higher overpass. Inland Rail has only a handful of extended track possessions to complete the project during this time.

According to Inland Rail’s latest works notification, the former bridge’s historic brick abutments are expected to be dismantled during this weekend’s possession, however the project team notes that works may extend or change at short notice.

Inland Rail has confirmed that, where possible, bricks from the bridge’s historic abutments will be carefully salvaged and incorporated into the landscaping of the new overpass, honouring a commitment made during community consultation.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Martinus crews are also expected to use this weekend’s shutdown to install piling pads and erect delineation barriers, vision screens and temporary retaining structures within the rail corridor.

The installation of two new temporary train driver changeover platforms are also on the job card to move changeovers away from Junee’s busy central level crossing.

A northern platform is set to be constructed between Florence and Elizabeth streets on the Olympic Highway (Main Street), while a southern platform will sit opposite Hammond Street and Railway Parade.

READ MORE: 475 tonnes of steel and concrete removed

Inland Rail says this weekend’s work is expected to involve clearing vegetation opposite 92 Main Street, pouring concrete footings, and installing steel platforms, lighting, carparks, and safety elements such as bollards.

Once operational, the new platforms will allow changeovers to occur away from the level crossing, with minimal disruption to road users and pedestrians.

Asphalt, guardrails, footpath sections, and kerb and guttering have already been removed from the Ducker Street approach | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Across the weekend, Martinus crews will also continue geotechnical investigations, signalling enhancements and extensive track works — including shoulder reconstruction, tamping, resurfacing and ballasting — within the Junee Station yard and along the corridor toward Illabo.

Activity will also increase around the Olympic Highway rail bridge, where essential track works will be carried out and a material stockpile area established beside the rail and road corridor.

WATCH: Kemp Street bridge demolition

Significant preparatory works have already been completed in recent weeks, including the removal of asphalt, guardrails, footpath sections, and kerb and guttering on the Ducker Street approach.

Decades of dense vegetation have also been cleared, opening sightlines along the railway that have not been visible for more than 30 years.

Meanwhile, Wrights Oval at William and Edgar streets has now been levelled and transformed into a major ancillary compound to support the project.

Decades of dense vegetation has been cleared from the Kemp Street bridge site in Junee | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Decades of dense vegetation has been cleared from the Kemp Street bridge site in Junee | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Wrights Oval has been transformed into a major ancillary compound to support works at the Kemp Street bridge site | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Wrights Oval has been transformed into a major ancillary compound to support works at the Kemp Street bridge site | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Wrights Oval has been transformed into a major ancillary compound to support works at the Kemp Street bridge site | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Wrights Oval has been transformed into a major ancillary compound to support works at the Kemp Street bridge site | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

TRAINS SUSPENDED

The Sydney–Melbourne line will be closed between Cootamundra and Tottenham, Victoria, for more than 40 hours while works take place across multiple locations.

According to the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), trains are set to resume between Moss Vale and Cootamundra from 6pm on Sunday, before the rest of the line reopens between Cootamundra and Melbourne from 11pm.

During the shutdown, coaches and buses will replace NSW TrainLink and V/Line services, including the Sydney–Melbourne XPT and Albury line services.

Travellers are encouraged to check updated timetables at transportnsw.info or vline.com.au.

Information on road closures or diversions and alternative routes can be found at Live Traffic NSW and VicTraffic.

Residents can view full details of the shutdown and site-specific notifications via the Albury to Illabo works page on the Inland Rail website.

Inland Rail notes that works may extend or change at short notice, with affected residents to be advised if this occurs.