Jilalan Rail Yard Upgrade
The Project
Jilalan Rail Yard is a key link in the Goonyella coal supply chain, delivering export coal to the Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay coal terminals.
The Coal Stream Alliance Jilalan, comprises Macmahon, MVM Rail (a subsidiary of Macmahon), Connell Hatch and Parsons Brinckerhoff (designers) as partners with Queensland Rail.
The aim of the project is to increase throughput capacity from the current 29 trains per day carrying 92 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 42 trains per day carrying 129 Mtpa.
Scope of Work
The project includes the construction of two bypass roads (with provision for a future third) and two new provisioning roads both with bi-directional signalling, upgrading the overhead traction system, remodelling the surrounding public roads and crossings including nine new grade crossings, a new locomotive provisioning facility, a new wagon maintenance facility and the conversion of an existing wagon maintenance shed into a new locomotive maintenance facility.
The total length of new track is approximately 40km, of which approximately 22km will be electrified.
The bulk earthworks component includes approximately 1.3 million m³ of which 450,000m³ or 53% is hard rock that will require blasting.
The current layout includes 72 turnouts with other major project components including 48 new bridge structures.
The construction of a 350-person accommodation village was completed in September.
The bulk earthworks have progressed to schedule and are targeted for completion by the end of 2008.
The focus of the site works then turns to the construction the infrastructure that will be the face of the upgrade.
Community
Community and stakeholder consultation activities are expected to gather pace with the implementation of the Alliance Communication and Consultation Management Plan which was approved in late 2007.
The project is scheduled for completion in December 2009.