Overview
Electrical and communication network works, broader civils including structural buildings and structural slabs for new rail control system and signalling upgrade.
Commenced working with Downer (now Gamuda with the sale of Downer Transport Projects business) in 2020. The relationship is ongoing.
- Stage 1 (complete)
- Stage 2 (ongoing)
Introduction
The Warrnambool and Geelong line upgrades by Rail Projects Victoria (RPV) are part of the $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival, which Downer Transport Projects (DTP) have been delivering since January 2020. The DTP business was sold to Gamuda early 2023, which continues to deliver Stage 2. The broader project includes the upgrade of Waurn Ponds Station (with a second platform, new track, pedestrian overpass and additional carparks), a passing loop at Boorcan, and signalling upgrades between Waurn Ponds and at Warrnambool. The rail signalling system upgrade works are our core focus including utility service installations and connections and building construction activities.
Introduction
The rail signalling system upgrade works is the primary focus area for TSA, with the requirement to undertake all site works in the corridor of an operating rail network. The utility services (electricity and communication networks) supporting the current rail signalling system must not be interrupted at any time.
TSA has been delivering diverse civil, electrical, communications, structural buildings and structural slabs for the new rail control system and signalling upgrade program. Stage 1 is complete, and Stage 2 is currently being undertaken.
Key locations for the new rail system control buildings and associated electrical/communications assets included: Warrnambool, Warncoort, Waurn Ponds and Boorcan.
Scope of Works
Structural building and structural slabs were installed within the rail easement for the demountable rail control system buildings. The demountables contained all the new rail control systems, and once in place, are then connected to the power and communications networks by the VicTrack engineers responsible for bringing the upgraded assets online during an occupation period (i.e. when then trains were not in operation, providing safe access).
Key Civil and Building Construction Activities
- Investigations: Existing asset investigation activities central to validating the best for project location for the new electricity and communications installation. This includes identification risks and mitigation strategies.
- Benching and trenching: Deep trenching including shoring/ benching, large pit construction activities and general drainage and bunding. Entry and exist cross over. Boring (trenchless) under the rail tracks to connect the electricity and communications cables for the Combined Services Routs (CSR) works. VicTrack and Downer connected the new services and controls systems once our works were complete.
- Foundations: Installation of foundations for buildings, structural footings for new communication towers, concrete slabs for the new switchboards. Concrete plinth around the base of the security fence.
Complexities
- Existing services and unknowns associated with a brownfield site with aged rail and utility assets.
- The building infrastructure requirements were unique to the specific assets, requiring close liaison with the Downer team and their engineers in order to forward plan our resourcing and construction activities.
- Navigating complex requirements and standards associated with live rail network construction activities. Ensuring safety of our people within this environment through enhanced diligence with pre-starts, risks assessment and mitigation planning and ongoing high awareness at each stage of delivery.
- Exploring constructability solutions to mitigate emerging risks, hazards or program timeline complexities
- Concurrent works delivery and interface points with diverse subcontractors working within the site. We adopt early engagement and collaboration on interface risk assessment and procedures to mitigate.
