THE RAIL line between Victoria and Western Australia, vulnerable to supply line disruptions because of flooding, has had defence works completed on a host of key areas.
In recent years flooding events have halted trains, leaving WA supermarket shelves bare and mining companies short on vital equipment coming across from the east coast.
Heavy rainfall in January 2022 severely damaged the Trans-Australian Railway between Port Augusta and Tarcoola with eight sites across 78 km of track impacted with washouts, ballast scouring, and water over tracks.
Services between Adelaide and Perth were suspended for more than three weeks, disrupting freight and supply chains.
In March 2024, flooding near Rawlinna on the Nullarbor Plain again cut the rail line for 21 days.
The event also impacted the Eyre Highway, compounding supply issues in WA.
The damage prompted a $1 billion investment in rail resilience, including $200 million specifically for flood-proofing the Trans-Australian Railway.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has just completed a host of key works across the East-West railway as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the resilience and reliability of the rail network.
Activities included culvert upgrades in remote South Australia, part of the investment program with the Australian government to improve drainage and reduce the risk of flooding along key sections of rail line.
Other essential maintenance and infrastructure works have also been successfully completed across more than 30 sites, including level crossing upgrades, rail replacement, re-sleepering, structure repairs, and track reconditioning.
Direct of infrastructure projects for ARTC, Heather Parry said the new culverts will help reduce the impacts and potential disruptions caused by culvert and track washaways during flood events.
“Crucially, they will improve our ability to manage stormwater and will mitigate the risk of flooding along key sections of the East-West rail line – a vital transport corridor for freight trains.”