Not too long ago, before the coronavirus pandemic, when everyone was still going on with their daily lives, Victoria’s transport network was struggling to meet with demand. It may seem like a lifetime ago, but people spent inordinate periods of time squashed on trains, or arrived late to work due to a collision that shut down the main arterial roads into the CBD.
Most of the world is releasing its breath over the coronavirus pandemic. Restrictions are being relaxed, cautiously and optimistically, in many countries. Individuals are stepping out their homes and, while observing social distancing guidelines, greeting friends, neighbours and extended family members.
Over the Easter weekend, while many of us were at home, doing our bit to stave off the widespread effects of coronavirus, a massive project was completed. Six months ahead of schedule!
For trains, wear and tear on rail and wheels are par for the course. Rail and wheels deteriorate due to wear, plastic deformation and fatigue. Rail-wheel deterioration, if ignored, can cause safety issues with the train and its passengers, risk of derailment, and also affect the lifecycle of the asset. It makes sense for rail infrastructure owners and train companies to develop integrated economic decision-making for operational and maintenance strategies.
In another instalment of Planes, Trains and Other Moving Assets, we’re taking a closer look at some of Melbourne’s level crossing removal projects.
Australia is experiencing unprecendented population growth, particularly on the eastern seaboard. With this growth in our cities and rural areas, there is an need to develop our infrastructure: roads, transport, services. Certainly this is the case here in Melbourne, with level crossings at major intersections coming down before our very eyes. The completion of the Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal (CTD) project in 2018 saw the removal of nine dangerous and frustrating level crossings with replacement skyrail. The shifting upwards of the rail lines has created open spaces and community hubs, as well as increased the flow of traffic and decreased the time and frustration in commuters along the major arterial routes.
The Level Crossing Removal Project is a massive undertaking requiring hours of labour and works underway at various sites around the city and suburban areas. As we sit in our cars, held up by traffic lights or a worker holding the Stop/Slow sign reminding us to take care, it can be easy to overlook the assets used in such a project.