Arc Infrastructure’s 2023 works program for the Avon to Kwinana Track Upgrade Project (AKTUP) has been completed.
2023 is the ninth delivery year of the ongoing AKTUP which was implemented to replace ageing infrastructure across this part of the network, used to transport grain, interstate freight and passenger services.
This year was the first time AKTUP has been delivered internally by Arc’s team, rather than external contractors. 11 sites across 100km of the line were scheduled for renewal between Midland and Avon on the Eastern Goldfields Railway. Works took place within the City of Swan, Shire of Toodyay, and both Avon Valley and Walayunga National Parks.
Arc Infrastructure has already invested more than $90 million on this section of line in the last nine years, ensuring the provision of a safe, efficient and reliable freight network that continues to meet industry needs.
General Manager Works Delivery Dan Ellis said the digital twin was helping to maximise efficiencies and identify areas of concern early.
“The digital twin is now playing a key role to identify areas of track which need more immediate attention for renewal. We actually combined the 2023 and 2024 works programs, based on a review of the data in digital twin.
“Our role as the manager of the freight rail network is to maintain the track to the standard required to safely support rail traffic through the Avon Valley. The terrain and access through the Avon Valley is complex and creates additional challenges for rail replacement.
“This is a busy part of the rail network, and it has taken a significant amount of planning and coordination across teams for these works to be undertaken with minimal impact on our customers,” Mr Ellis said.
Mr Ellis said it had been a team effort to deliver such a significant scope of works.
“Everyone in the field and in the office has worked together to deliver these upgrades on schedule.”
The 2023 scope of works concluded in early August, which saw 8.4 kilometres of track rerailed, 32km of rail stress adjusted; and three level crossings renewed.
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