Re: [Vic] Webb Dock railway line

["Alex Pout" <alpout@optusnet.com.au>]

James C. <james_ccj@my-deja.com> wrote in message
90apa1$2ns$1@nnrp1.deja.com">news:90apa1$2ns$1@nnrp1.deja.com...
> I took a drive along Webb Dock this evening. Noticed
> 70% of the rail alignment/formation still pertty much
> in place. The Spencer Street end however due to
> Dockland developments and Colonial stadium, most of
> the alignments were gone. Between Dockland and
> Citylink bridge along  Lorimer Street the ballast
> still in place. Somewhat resemble Maribyrnong siding.
> Does GM Holden ever had railway access to its plant at
> Fishermen Bend?

As I mentioned in another post, I used to work in said Holden plant.  As far
as I know, there was no rail access into the plant, nor are there signs of
any old tracks in the place.  Most of the stuff that's produced there now is
for export, so I presume it goes straight across Lorimer Street and onto
ships.  The Australian used stuff (for Toyota and Commodores) all goes onto
trucks and sent either to Avalon or Adelaide.

If they did have rail, I would guess it would have been when they were still
assembling cars on the site.  Makes sense, they haven't done any vehicle
manufacturing there for quite a few years, when (I dare say) that railing
the cars around the country made more sense than trucking (ie no freeways
etc).  That area would be under the Portside business park, next time you're
there have a close look around there.

But to make sure, I've gotta go see my old boss sometime in the next couple
of months, I'll ask him.

> After Citylink bridge till the present terminal(just
> outside Webbdock) rail track pertty much still in
> place along with level crossing signals etc.
> I can imaging during any weekdays this place would be
> fill with trucks.
>
> What ever happened to the study for reopen Webb Dock
> railway line? Last time I heard the estimated cost would be around 50m$.
>
> I also took a visit to Mobil Yarraville -Spotswood
> branch this morning. All of the track were lifted but
> you can still pretty much see the formation along the
> Douglas Parade and an old bridge just underneath
> Westgate Bridge.  Would FA presuade any of the oli
> company to return to rail?
>
>
>
> --
> Cheers
>
> Railway Rasputin
>
>
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> Before you buy.