Re: SLR - Extensions work progressing

[Chris Brownbill <cbrnbill@enternet.com.au>]

Matthew,

Thanks very much for posting all the pics of SLR construction work.  Its much
appreciated by those who are not so close to the area.

A question.  I'm not that familiar with the area, but am I correct in assuming
that the line will terminate at Catherine St Lilyfield not so much because its a
major destination, but rather that's as far as the unused railway goes, and that
beyond that the line is still used by freight trains to Rozelle?  If so, what
are the consequences of the proposed further SLR extension to Ashfield?  Might
it mean closure of the remaining freight line - or would it go on-road?

Chris Brownbill.

Matthew Geier wrote:
> 
>  I took a walk from Jubilee Park to Catherine St Lilyfield on the
> 18th and took some pictures.
> (http://www.sleeper.apana.org.au/railway/slr/images/)
> 
>  In the last month i've covered the entire line.
> 
>  The extra platfom at Wentworth park is taking shape, the
> foundations now completed. New staunchion supports are being
> cast in that area. It looks like quite soon they will be in a
> position to put the new set of points in and adjust the
> overhead. It is possible that Wentworth park will get its 2nd
> platform completed and made available way before the rest of
> the extension.
> 
>  Heading west, the location of the Bridge St station is not
> yet evident.
>  Earth works and foundations for the Jubilee Park station are
> quite advanced.
>  The location of 'Rozelle Bay' station is not yet evident.
>  Catherine St station appears to be going to be an island platform
> that starts in the 'gap' between the Catherine St bridge over the
> throat of Rozelle yard and the CityWest link road. If the foundations
> I saw are for the station and not a substation, this will make
> Catherine St the only island plaform on the system!.
> 
>  At most bridges along the line the 'outbound' track, (Originally
> the 'UP' track ?, the goods line was a little odd about up and down),
> has been lifted and the balast cleared off the bridge decks, I
> presume to allow inspection and repair of the bridge structures.
> 
>  At Railway Pde , Annandale, I made use of an open gate to walk up
> onto the line, and to my surpise, I notice some one has been replacing
> sleepers on the line. It is hard to tell exactly when this happened,
> as the shavings from the drilling of the sleepers are still there,
> indicating recent activity but weathered to a grey colour. Since one
> of the tracks was closed long before the other, and sleepers have been
> replaced on the track that was closed first, this quite odd. (Could the
> drill shavings lasted 3 or more years ?)
> 
>  Down near where City West Link road crosses, at another access gate,
> there was a balast plough sitting on the 'outbound' track (ie the same
> one with bits missing at each bridge!). The 'outbound' track is also
> missing under the City-West road. There was also a stockpile of used
> but still servicable sleepers stacked here.
> 
>  Also of note were 2 or 3 RSA side-tipper wagons parked on the
> 'inbound' track under the City-West Rd. Due to their location I
> could not photograph them, or determine how many were down there
> , although the end of a wagon is just visible in the Catherine St
> shots.
>  On the western side of the City-West road at this point (ie next
> to Rozelle Yard) it appears a balast stockpile is being built.
> 
>  I assume that when the crews working on Wentworth Park and Jubilee
> Park station finish thier earth and foundation works,the crews will
> move sites and make a start on the Bridge St and Rozelle Bay
> stations.