Trackwork is not something you do once, then forget it! It's an ongoing
process. In the last couple of years, there's been significant sleeper
renewal.
>
> I wonder what this money is earmarked for, then?
>
Primarily welding the rails. Other work as well, but welding is the
major component.
> I noticed that the article (The Age, 21/4/98, p. 3) said 'Warrnambool
> to Geelong'. Does this preclude any work being done on the Melb. -
> Geelong section which would benefit Geelong commuters as well?
This (welded) track has been improved recently south of Werribee with
sleeper renewal, tamping and laser aligning (and being a regular
traveller, I can vouch for it's quality). Of the track north of
Werribee, currently the points at Laverton have speed restrictions and I
think are under repair, there's also trackwork happening as we speak
between Newport and Altona Junction (late night trains running to
altered times due to occupation), and in the past couple of months
there's been heavy re-sleepering of both lines between Werribee and
Newport.
Cheers,
CH.
-- Craig Haber albatross@harnessnet.com.au Manufacturing Systems Engineer (almost) Web Page Designer, Harness Racing, Railways, and Essendon Football Club fanatic http://www.harnessnet.com.au/