Critical modification works to the Lachlan River Bridge in Forbes are well underway as part of the Stockinbingal to Parkes section of Inland Rail. Martinus removed and replaced the existing bracing to allow additional clearance for double-stacked freight trains. Next, Martinus be installing strengthening plates underneath so the bridge can handle the increased loads.
Upgrading this 100-year-old bridge is just one part of our contribution to creating Inland Rail‘s 1,600km freight line connecting Melbourne to Brisbane with safe, cost-effective, and sustainable transportation.
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Increased Construction Activity
From Saturday, January 18th to Sunday, May 25th, construction on the Lachlan River Bridge will increase daily. This change aims to shorten the overall duration of the project and reduce noise impacts on the community. Construction will occur daily between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Out-of-Hours Works – March 2025
Martinus Rail, an Inland Rail contractor, will conduct track work and related activities on behalf of Inland Rail in the rail corridor of the Lachlan River Bridge during a statewide track possession.
- Works will commence on Saturday, March 22nd at 6:00 AM and continue until Monday, March 24th at 6:00 PM.
- These works will be continuous, including night work.
Planned Works
- Lachlan River Bridge Structural Works
- Delivery of plant & equipment using heavy vehicles
- Lead paint stripping (on the bridge)
- Structural reinforcement of the bridge including:
- Hole drilling
- Strength plate installation
What to Expect
- Heavy vehicle movements.
- Rail track machinery and equipment operating on-site during the hours noted above.
- Lights may be used but will be directed away from residences.
- High noise impact activities such as rail saws, tamper and regulators.
Properties near the sites can expect to hear:
- Excavation (activity involving the removal of existing surfaces such as rock, soil, pavement, and other substances from a site to form an open face, hole or cavity)
- Movements of heavy vehicles and cranes
- Loading, unloading or moving equipment and materials
Machinery Used
Equipment used for work includes but is not limited to; hydrema, mobile crane, franna crane, elevated work platforms, front end loaders, graders, excavators, tandem trucks, flatbed trucks, rail deliveries including loco, vibratory roller, water carts, generators, hand tools, steel saw, flash welding, ballast tamper & regulator, moxy trucks, truck and dogs and lighting towers.
Long-term site activity will include deliveries of materials, movement of plant and other construction related activities.
Heavy Vehicle Movements
During these works, heavy vehicle movements may increase on Bathurst Street, in both north and south directions. Motorists and pedestrians are asked to please exercise caution when driving or walking in the area. Traffic controllers will be available to direct traffic as needed.
Managing Impacts
- Traffic controls will be in place to assist motorists as needed. ✓
- Water carts will be on-site to wet down areas to assist in managing dust. ✓
- Works programmed to best minimise noise impacts. We will aim to minimise noise from the works. ✓
- Use of non-tonal reversing alarms on all equipment and turning off equipment when not in use. ✓
- Regular maintenance of plant and equipment to reduce emissions. ✓
- Instructing workers to keep noise to a minimum and being respectful of our neighbours, including parking away from houses particularly at night. ✓
- Works will be monitored to ensure compliance with Project Approval and Heritage Approval Conditions. ✓
- Environmental controls will remain in place to prevent contamination to the Lachlan River and an exclusion zone will remain established 30m either side of the bridge. ✓
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