Arc Infrastructure teams have completed a challenging scope of works in the Avon Valley, during a recent 110-hour network shutdown.
Arc teams replaced three dual-gauge turnouts, extended the Moondyne loop to accommodate 1,800m long trains and installed entirely new signalling and communications systems along the Eastern Goldfields Railway (EGR) at Moondyne East, in the Avon Valley (northeast of Perth, WA). In addition, LED signals were also installed between Avon and Midland, to further increase safety along this part of the network.
The main works occurred while there were no train movements along the EGR, with post-shut works continuing through until the end of September.
Arc’s Mobile Maintenance Team (MMT) carried out the installation of three dual gauge turnouts (a turnout is a vital track component, which allows the safe diversion of rail vehicles from one track to another) and 315-metre loop extension, which required more than 3.3 kilometres of rail, 1400 full-depth concrete sleepers, 4000 tonnes of ballast and 200 on-site rail welds during the 5-day main works period.
With the addition of the Moondyne loop extension, new signalling and communication systems were also installed during the recent scope of works.
Arc’s Engineering, Major Projects, and Technology teams collaborated for several months to design, build and commission all-new systems at Moondyne, which included new interlocking systems, points machines, track circuits, LED signals and a MPLS communications system. These new systems are controlled from an integrated signalling and communications room, powered by a newly installed solar energy system.
The recent work in this notoriously challenging section of the valley followed on from the replacement of another three turnouts and upgrades to signalling systems at the west end of the Moondyne section of track in October 2024.
General Manager Network Strategy and Customer Operations Paul Lowney acknowledged the collaboration required across numerous teams to successfully complete the September 2025 works.
“Multiple teams from across the business and contractors collaborated to design, build and install the various components at the Moondyne East site,” Paul said.
“Carrying out works in the valley brings added challenges due to the constrained nature and environment that the track winds through. Most locations in the area have steep embankments, minimal laydown areas for materials and tricky terrain to navigate.
“This, coupled with the inclement weather our crews faced for a large portion of these works, made for an especially challenging environment. I want to commend every single person involved for the high standard of work which was completed on-time and most importantly, completed safely.
“Our teams learned lessons from the similar works we completed in 2024 at the west end of Moondyne. We adapted our methodology based on these learnings, and we’re really pleased with how seamlessly this project has run.”
The Moondyne east end turnout replacement project was the second phase of a scope of works in the Avon Valley region from 2024 – 2029. The next phase will include turnout upgrades at Jumperkine in 2026.
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