SRA drives excellence in rail transport with state-of-the-art ballast cleaning projects in the Hunter Valley

Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) has successfully completed ballast cleaning projects in the heavy haul network of the Hunter Valley, finishing over 8.5 km near Singleton and Narrabri, NSW. These works took place during major line closures in May and August 2024, in close collaboration with the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

Ballast cleaning is an important maintenance process that ensures safe and efficient railway operations. Over time, the ballast can become clogged with debris, which affects the stability of the tracks. By replacing contaminated ballast with clean material, SRA improves track performance and extends the lifespan of the network.

The Narrabri project was a major undertaking with a 72-hour complete closure, where a team of over 40 staff worked around the clock. “We cover every aspect of the ballast cleaning project,” said Gary Milligan, SRA's project manager for ballast cleaning. “Our success is based on our experienced team and our close collaboration with our clients at every stage.”

In Singleton, a complete ballast excavation was required in an ecologically sensitive area. Despite the challenges, the team successfully completed the 3 km ballast cleaning without compromising safety or quality.

SRA has solidified its reputation as a specialist in ballast cleaning, offering a comprehensive service from site exploration to drainage. Managing Director Anne Modderno emphasized SRA's versatility and customer-oriented approach: “Ballast cleaning is an important maintenance measure that supports effective network operations. Our machines can handle everything from preventive work to complete excavation and lowering of the tracks to improve the clearance profile. Our team is known for delivering high-quality ballast cleaning services across Australia.”

“We have the capability and expertise to cover all aspects of ballast cleaning,” Anne adds. “It is this holistic, solution-oriented approach that has earned us a good reputation in the rail industry.”