Long-Term Rail Investment Needed - Ontrack
June 26th, 2008
Ontrack is signalling the Govt to honour its commitment to injecting $449m into the rail network over the next five years and is warning further investment will be needed over the coming two decades. Chairman, Cameron Moore, says the funding is essential to ensure the network remains viable and has defended the sums required saying contrary to some commentators views the funding is not a “black hole” for spending when fuel prices are rocketing up. “Compared with some other forms of infrastructure development, the planned investment in rail is modest and will enable rail to grow and take pressure off the roads.”
Bridge Replacements Looming. Although the most urgent deferred maintenance works will be completed by 2010, Moore warns there is a “bow wave” of infrastructure replacement work looming in coming years. This includes upgrading lines so they can handle heavier axle loads. Most of the mainline formation on the network was constructed between 50 and 75 years ago and was engineered for axle loads at the time. He says axle loads have increased significantly along with tonnage and speeds, so much of the formation is now wearing and showing distinct signs of stress. Up to 200km of the the network is approaching the end of its predicted life and 23% of all bridges are at least 90 years old and need replacing soon.
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