Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities – Main Works

Scope of Works

The main works include:

• Track reconditioning, including all earthworks and pavement formation placement.
• Embankment works, drainage, and access road improvements adjacent to the existing rail alignment.
• Installation of eight 800m radius 18.5 Crossovers, including cranage, welding, and detection (both temporary and permanent).
• Installation, testing, and commissioning of the documented signalling system.
• Management of all subcontractors and resources required to deliver the works.
• Management of spoil, including contaminated material.

Managing rail possessions and complexity

The works are being delivered within a live rail environment, requiring meticulous planning and coordination to align with scheduled rail possessions, minimise disruptions, and complete critical tasks. Key works include track reconditioning, crossover installation, underbridge crossings, and some signalling infrastructure, all delivered during possessions. 

The SHOO project involves Major Possessions (up to 66 hours), Minor Possessions (up to 50 hours), and Planned Maintenance Possessions (PMPs) (up to 10 hours). Major and Minor Possessions occur biannually, and PMPs take place monthly.

During a recent Major Possession, the Abergeldie team successfully completed a complex operation at Werai and Joppa Junction. Over a weekend, more than 350 workers delivered extensive works, including the installation of four 1:18.5 crossovers at Werai, over 1,000m of new track along with rail and power services, and the reconditioning of two track sites at Joppa. Additionally, the team installed three culverts, new under-level crossings, and approximately 200 aluminothermic rail welds. Significant signalling works were also carried out at the Goulburn Relay Room, including the installation of ground signal track, signal bases, and glued insulated joints. This possession was one of the most complex to date, and the team’s meticulous planning and coordination played a key role in its successful completion.

Futureproofing the freight network

The Southern Highlands corridor, spanning 170km from Macarthur to Goulburn, is one of the busiest freight routes outside the Hunter Valley, handling over three million tonnes annually. By introducing overtaking opportunities at Werai near Moss Vale and Joppa Junction near Goulburn, these upgrades will improve freight reliability and efficiency. The designed crossovers will allow for nominal rail traffic speeds of up to 75km/hr through the crossover.

By enabling overtaking opportunities, these upgrades will support longer, heavier trains, reduce delays, and enhance the overall performance of the network.