Commuters on the XPT from Sydney to Dubbo will save 15 minutes and the train will be able to travel 20 kmhs faster. The positives from the completion of the $4.1 million bridge upgrade at Wellington's Gobolion st.
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The state member for Orange Andrew Gee said the construction by the contracted John Holland Country Regional network will extend the life of the railway bridge another 100 years.
The historic bridge has been in place since 1880.
The CEO John Holland Rail Nev Nichols says he is very impressed with work produced by teams which worked 24 hours a day over the 14 week period. The bridge works completed on time and on budget he said.
''Its one of the most significant projects in dollars and capital works we have constructed and its set to have an immediate impact for commuters and also our project manager Wally Morris has led the team in ensuring this bridge lasts another century'' Mr Nichols said. ''Terrific''
The train can now move from 30 to 50kph over the bridge reducing important travel time for passenger and also the freight operators.
Project manager John Holland Rail Wally Morris pointed out the unique points of the construction to the state member and also Samantha Brock from Transports NSW. Mr Morris has been involved in many projects and being a country person with ties to communities in the central west said it was an honour to be involved.
''This worked included the replacement of the steel bracing components, support timbers and decking material'' Mr Morris said.''Its a wonderful bridge full of history and we have ensured it maintains its history with a modern polish'' he said.
Mr Gee said ''35 trains cross the rail bridge each week. Fourteen of these are passenger trains which include the NSW Trainlink XPT daily service'' he said '' This project will also remove long standing speed restrictions in the section of the Orange to Dubbo line and will the improve the reliability of the network while maintaining the original character of the structure of for the local community'' Mr Gee said as he inspected the new look bridge which is a mix of the history and the new design.
Samantha Brock of Transport NSW said she said was impressed with the work '' We would like to thank the residents of Wellington, train customers and freight operators for their patience while this necessary work was undertaken'' she said.
