Government brings upgrade of Esperance rail forward

2/3/00

Transport Minister Murray Criddle today announced that Westrail would accelerate by almost a year the upgrade of the Kalgoorlie-Esperance line.
He said work would start this month in response to a commitment by Portman Mining Limited to export four million tonnes of iron ore a year through the Port of Esperance.
"The planned re-sleepering and maintenance program was not due to start until next year but I'm pleased to announce that the project will get under way almost immediately," Mr Criddle said.
He said that Westrail would now spend $42 million on the line to ensure that the Kalgoorlie-to-Esperance railway met the reliability required to handle the doubling of iron ore to be railed to the Port of Esperance.
"Westrail's original commitment was $32 million but we have now allocated a further $10 million for preparatory work on the track to cater for a major upgrade in the future as the freight task increases," he said.
Included in the overall maintenance program would be the use of steel sleepers interspaced with timber sleepers in a one-in-two ratio, and the re-railing of curves.
The additional $10 million preparatory work will cater for an increase in the number of sleepers and the provision of special sleeper fasteners, which will allow heavier rail to be fitted during future upgrading of the line to accommodate increased axle loads.
Civil and Mechanical Maintenance Pty Ltd will undertake the work under a maintenance contract it holds with Westrail resulting in the employment of the team of 30 people.

In the event of the sale of Westrail's freight business prior to completion of the work, a condition of the sale would be that the new owner would be required to complete this initial $42 million project.
Mr Criddle said that the future of the Esperance-Kalgoorlie line was assured with Portman Mining Limited's decision to export iron ore through the port of Esperance over the next 20 years.
The refurbishment of the Esperance-Kalgoorlie railway would benefit all users in the Goldfields and Esperance regions and demonstrated the Government's long-term commitment to the on-going viability of this important transport link.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333