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To: coal.comms.pol@merddyn.apana.org.au
From: transport@cabinet.qld.gov.au
Subject: Qld. Media statement - WORK WELL ADVANCED ON CAIRNS-MAREEBA RAIL UPGRADE
Errors-To: harrisa@citec.qld.gov.au
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 12:24:32 +1000
Message-ID: <19980216022432.AAA4418@inet6.citec.com.au>
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, HON. V. G. JOHNSON
6/2/98
WORK WELL ADVANCED ON CAIRNS-MAREEBA RAIL UPGRADE
Transport and Main Roads Minister Vaughan Johnson today announced that work was well advanced on the upgrade of the Cairns-Mareeba railway.
Mr Johnson said the $14 million upgrade, which began early last year, would be completed in mid-1999.
"Queensland Rail has employed an additional 51 staff who are working on the strengthening of timber bridges and upgrading of the track," said Mr Johnson.
He said that about 25km of track between Redlynch and Mareeba was being upgraded by replacing the light rail and timber sleepers with new heavier rails and a combination of new timber and steel sleepers.
"Since work began, 13km of track has already been completed, and 32 of the 61 timber bridges have been upgraded."
Mr Johnson said this work was an essential part of the $42 million Tableland Sugar Project and would allow axle loads to increase from 10 tonnes to 16 tonnes.
He said preliminary work had also begun on the strengthening of 6 historic steel bridges between Redlynch and Kuranda. "Work on these bridges, which includes the famous heritage-listed structure over Stoney Creek, will prolong their life.
"Queensland Rail has undertaken extensive consultation with the Department of the Environment, the Queensland Heritage Council, and the Wet Tropics Management Authority to ensure the heritage value of these values is retained."
Mr Johnson said Queensland firm Canstruct Pty Ltd was undertaking the strengthening of the steel truss spans and sub-structure of the bridges. The work, which is valued at $2.6 million, is expected to be completed by the middle of August.
Mr Johnson said another contract for the upgrading of 10 steel bridges west of Kuranda would be awarded in the near future.
Mr Johnson also said there would be some minor disruption of the Cairns-Kuranda Scenic Railway services from February 9 to mid-June due to the upgrade.
"Unfortunately, this minor disruption is unavoidable when work is under way on the bridge strengthening.
"As a result, there will be a reduction in the frequency of services on Mondays and Tuesdays during this period. Queensland Rail chose this time as it will have the least impact on the Scenic Railway services," said Mr Johnson.
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