Nyngan Rail Yard

The Challenge:

Upgrade of existing railway yard

John Holland Country Regional Network required an assessment and design of the Nyngan railway yard. The need stemmed from the lack of space to store wagons from the Cobar mine and wheat traffic. 

The Solution:

The deliverables allowed the client to assess the viability of changing the yard to achieve efficiencies and match the proposed work to current standards. The Main West line carries bulk grain and mined ore from Cobar.

Neither commodity can be transported efficiently from the region except via rail. Currently rail speeds through Nyngan Yard is capped at 20 km/hr. The desired speed is 80 km/hr, hence the importance in upgrading the Yard.

Multiple options were proposed for cost effectiveness and viability in achieving project objectives. Project management ensured deadlines were met though almost daily discussions with the client, key stakeholders, internal technical staff and sub-consultants.

Hanlons railway surveyors attended the site, established survey control, locate railway line and corridor infrastructure and approach roads at the level crossings at either end of the rail yard. The railway surveyors undertook track design for the main line as well as the loops and sidings.

The engineering team prepared construction drawings, the review of environmental factors and the safety in design report.