The 1,400km Nambour to Cairns North Coast Line is the principal regional freight and passenger line within the Queensland Rail (QR) network.
QR engaged CMC to design and construct eight rail passing loop extensions, ranging in length from 340m to 1360m, culminating in approximately 5km of new track, between Rockhampton and Townsville. The extensions would allow freight operators to run longer trains up to 950m in length – a 45 per cent increase on the previous maximum length of 650m – and carry more goods such as sugar, grain and livestock to communities across the region.
CMC delivered the project on time and to a high standard with no time over runs on multiple strict track possessions.
Innovation: The highest stakes work in the project were eight track possessions. CMC used the time between each stage to undertake a cycle of continuous improvement. Learnings from a review of each track possession informed changes to the next track possession, ensuring an improved result each time.
Community Engagement: CMC completed all track possession works within strict 46-48-hour timeframes and delivered the entire project eight days early with no impact on essential rail operations or the travelling public.
Problem-Solving: CMC’s preparation, contingency planning and hour-by-hour monitoring enabled early rectification of any program slippage, with a Plan A, B and C for every major element of the project.
Safety: Despite the inherent safety risks associated with working in a live rail corridor, CMC lost no time to injury during the 530,000 hours performed by more than 400 trained personnel and sub-contractors.
“My congratulations on CMC’s final closure and for the hard work and planning to achieve the safe and successful outcome ahead of time.”
QR, Project Manager
