Auburn Maintenance Centre 'Zero Road' Upgrade

NSW
Downer EDI
2020
24hr

Maintenance of Rail Fleet Installed

220m

Electrified Track Installed

7.5m

Retaining Wall Constructed

40m

steel girders installed

Abergeldie collaborated with Downer EDI to upgrade the existing “Zero Road” facilities at Auburn Maintenance Centre both within the maintenance shed and externally in the sidings.  The project has expanded the centre’s capacity for maintenance and shunting of the Waratah Trains fleet, enabling better public transport service across the network. Under the project, Abergeldie delivered comprehensive heavy civil building services, rail drainage remediation, HV services, and retractable OHW works. 

Scope of Works

The works included:

  • Construction of civil, structural, and trackwork components, involving the installation of 280m of new electrified track, including a new turnout.
  • Supply and installation of contact catenary and retractable high voltage overhead wiring and structures, along with services relocation works.
  • Building and yard services installation, encompassing LV lighting, CCTV, water, and stormwater systems, as well as the construction of new Machine Interface and Fortress interlocking arrangements.
  • Atlantis cell remediation, earthworks, general groundworks, signalling construction, integration, testing and commissioning works. The installation of new gantry cranes and modifications to automatic louvres.

Challenging project conditions

The project involved extensive work within active train sidings and associated maintenance facilities, presenting challenges due to constrained spaces and the need to accommodate frequent train movements. Strict adherence to safe working procedures was also required. Coordination with other contractors operating in different areas of the maintenance facility added complexity, particularly when dealing with electrical switching and isolations. Further, a 1 in 9 turnout was installed along with approximately 280m of new AS60kg track. The team also ensured safe environmental contingencies were in place given the proximity of the site to Duck River, a waterway that drains into the upper reaches of Sydney Harbour. 


Essential maintenance infrastructure for public transport service network

This collaboration augmented the centre's capacity for maintaining and shunting the Waratah Trains fleet, contributing to an improved public transport service network. The revamped Zero Road can now also accommodate either two four-car trains or one eight-car train, facilitating seamless use for both maintenance and shunting operations.