Driver platforms rise in Junee as Inland Rail explains abutment delay

NEW driver changeover platforms have been installed at both ends of Junee as Inland Rail continues major upgrades along the Albury to Illabo rail corridor.

The steel structures — complete with access stairs, safety railings and overhead sheltering — were erected during last weekend’s rail possession, marking one of the most visible signs of progress in the town since demolition of the Kemp Street bridge in September last year.

The platforms, located north of the CBD between Florence and Elizabeth streets and south of town near Hammond Street and Railway Parade, are designed to allow freight train drivers to change over away from the central level crossing.

Inland Rail says the new infrastructure will ultimately help reduce traffic congestion and delays at the town centre crossing — one of just two remaining east–west road connections across the rail corridor — while the new bridge is built.

However, while the platforms themselves are now in place, further work is still required before they can become operational.

“Inland Rail will complete the remaining civil works around the platforms and commission the lighting,” an Inland Rail representative said.

“Inland Rail will also work with ARTC and train operators to support the required driver notification and training to facilitate the safe commissioning of these platforms.

“The new driver changeover platforms installed by Inland Rail will be a positive legacy item for the Junee community, reducing traffic congestion at the town centre’s level crossing.”

New steel driver changeover platform at the northern end of Junee | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Although the permanent structures were only installed during the possession, driver changeovers have occasionally occurred near the northern platform site in the past.

“Inland Rail are aware that train operators occasionally carry out driver changeovers away from the Junee station platform at the location of the northern platform,” the spokesperson said.

“Operators may also choose to carry out changeovers in the vicinity of these locations as training and in preparation for the commissioning of the new platforms.”

Kemp Street bridge

Elsewhere in Junee, Inland Rail confirmed further preparatory works were completed at the former Kemp Street bridge site during the recent rail shutdown.

Last weekend’s activities focused on ground preparation works on the southern side of the rail corridor to support upcoming piling operations for the new bridge structure.

Detailed design showing what the new Kemp Street bridge will look like once complete in 2027 | Source: Supplied/Inland Rail

Since the bridge deck was removed in September, several enabling works have taken place, including removal of the eastern road approach, relocation of signalling infrastructure, installation of soil nail abutments, and construction of temporary piling and crane platforms.

Inland Rail says installation of the permanent bridge piles is now progressing.

Abutment demolition delayed

The existing red brick abutments that carried the former Kemp Street bridge deck for nearly a century remain standing, despite being earmarked for demolition months ago.

Inland Rail confirmed the work has been rescheduled, but has reassured the community the project remains on track.

“The remaining demolition works at Kemp Street bridge have been rescheduled to a later date that is still being finalised,” a spokesperson said.

Demolition of the existing red brick abutments at the Kemp Street bridge site has been delayed | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

“This decision was taken in order to focus on the piling activities and, in part, to prioritise the demolition activities at Edmondson Street bridge.

“The rescheduling of these works will not delay any upcoming works at Kemp Street Bridge.”

Inland Rail has previously confirmed it plans to salvage and repurpose bricks from the abutments within the final landscaping design where possible, helping preserve elements of the historic structure that once connected the town’s east and west.

Wider works

The possession also delivered several major milestones across the broader Albury to Illabo section.

In Wagga, the century-old Edmondson Street bridge was demolished as part of preparations for a new, higher structure designed to accommodate double-stacked freight trains.

Wagga’s century-old Best/Edmondson Street bridge was demolished during the March shutdown | Photo: Inland Rail

After months of meticulous track possession planning, two 37-tonne excavators progressively demolished the bridge before workers moved in to dismantle the brick abutments and central brick pier.

READ MORE: Wagga bridge torn down in major milestone

Inland Rail said the demolition was carried out across a 42.5-hour window and involved more than 100 Martinus Rail workers.

Two 37-tonne excavators were used to demolish the bridge deck | Photo: Inland Rail

Other works across the corridor included track tamping and shoulder reconstruction between Junee and Illabo, signalling upgrades at multiple locations, sleeper replacement and track restoration at Culcairn, installation of a watermain sleeve beneath track crossings, and replacement works on the Murray River bridge.

The upgrades are part of ongoing works to prepare the corridor for future double-stacked freight services linking Melbourne and Brisbane.