CRN – John Holland

Track Possession Manual
Author: Beth Jarrett
Date: 22 January 2021
Possession Manual | 2
Table of contents
1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
1.1 Purpose…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
1.2 Overview ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
1.3 Scope ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
1.4 Procedure owner…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
1.5 Responsibilities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
1.6 Reference documents……………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
1.7 Definitions………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
2 JHR CRN Possession Program Overview ……………………………………………………………………………….5
2.1 Possession type and lead times ……………………………………………………………………………………….6
2.2 Aligned possessions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
2.3 Non-aligned possessions…………………………………………………………………………………………………7
2.4 Short notice works possessions………………………………………………………………………………………..9
2.5 Emergency works possessions……………………………………………………………………………………….10
3 Obtaining a Track Possession………………………………………………………………………………………………10
3.1 Possession program development process………………………………………………………………………10
3.2 Choosing the appropriate possession………………………………………………………………………………12
3.3 Possession planning and implementation requirements …………………………………………………….12
4 Applying to Work Within an Aligned Possession…………………………………………………………………..14
5 Publication of Track Possession Documentation…………………………………………………………………..14
5.1 Publication of the possession program…………………………………………………………………………….14
5.2 Rail operator consultation ………………………………………………………………………………………………14
5.3 Adjoining network consultation ……………………………………………………………………………………….14
5.4 Consultation with the network owner ……………………………………………………………………………….15
6 Track Possession Alterations……………………………………………………………………………………………….15
6.1 Changes to aligned possessions …………………………………………………………………………………….15
6.2 Changes to non-aligned possessions ………………………………………………………………………………15
6.3 Cancelling a programmed track possession……………………………………………………………………..15
7 Additional Information………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15
7.1 Work trains …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15
7.2 Ultrasonic testing…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15
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1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This manual describes the procedures used by John Holland Rail (JHR) to manage track access requests on
the NSW Country Regional Network (CRN).
This manual does not include requirements for management of environmental, legal and other obligations in
the planning and delivery of construction works at worksites.
1.2 Overview
A track possession is the temporary suspension of rail services to allow work within the rail corridor to take
place in a safe and efficient manner.
A track possession may include movement of work trains or other rail vehicles into and out of work sites,
subject to the relevant CRN Network Rules.
Track possessions are planned in the manner described in this manual and enacted via the types of work on
track ‘authorities’ described in the CRN Network Rules.
John Holland Rail delivers the following types of work within planned track possessions, following consultation
and communication with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
– Routine Maintenance (RM),
– Major Periodic Maintenance (MPM),
– Annual Works Plan (AWP) related capital works,
– Non-Annual Works Plan (AWP) capital works, externally funded works and works carried out by third
parties.
Track possessions are published in a possessions program which aims to:
– Minimise cancellation of or disruption to passenger and freight services,
– Maximise possession time to ensure safe and productive time on track is provided to carry out required
works,
– Provide suitable notice of possessions to rail operators and other stakeholders to ensure the commercial
cost of disruptions is minimised,
– Improve maintenance planning to ensure the efficiency and productivity of track works,
– Issue possession timetables and notifications via Country Train Notices (CTNs) ,
– To minimise disruption to passenger and freight services, seek where possible to coordinate CRN
possessions with possessions on adjacent sections of the ARTC or Sydney Trains networks,
– Seek to coordinate possessions with maintenance activities at loading points,
– Provide a process where rail operators are consulted during the development of the possession program.
– Ensure the representative of the network owner, Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE), is;
– Aware of the possessions program,
– Informed of the process used to develop it,
– Has the opportunity to participate in the development of the possessions program, and
– Made aware of changes to the program that may affect the operations of the network or may
precipitate delays to rail services, prior to any changes being implemented.
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1.3 Scope
This document:
– Details the types of track possessions available,
– Provides guidance on the process necessary to gain approval for a track possession,
– Describes the obligations of the network manager to consult with rail operators and the network owner on
the development of the possessions program and its implementation.
Note: The processes described in this manual for the development and implementation of track possessions
are subject to any and all of the requirements detailed in the following:
– CRN Network Rules and Procedures,
– CRN SAFE Notices,
– CRN Network Local Appendices.
1.4 Procedure owner
The CRN Network Planning Manager is the document owner and is the initial point of contact for all queries
relating to this document.
1.5 Responsibilities
Individuals planning or managing projects, maintenance supervisors, infrastructure managers and related
parties are responsible for proposing track possession requests to the Network Planning Manager (Network
Operations), commensurate with the type of work required to be performed and the processes described
herein.
The Network Planning Manager is responsible for developing the track possession program and generation of
associated CTNs.
1.6 Reference documents
The following documents and procedures support this document:
– Safety Management System (SMS),
– JHR CRN Network Rules & Procedures,
– Interface Agreements,
– Operational Impact Assessment (Possession Bid),
– Rail operator access agreements and the Operations protocol,
– JHR CRN Possession Programme,
– Country Train Notices,
– Standard Working Timetable.
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1.7 Definitions
The following terms and acronyms are used within this document:
Term or acronym Description
Adjacent Live Line Track on which trains are running next to closed track
ATP As Traffic Permits
CRN Country Regional Network
CTN Country Train Notice
Danger Zone The area within 3 metres horizontally from the nearest rail, and any
distance above or below these 3 metres, and any other area within
the rail corridor unless a safe place exists or has been created
JHR John Holland Rail
MPM Major Periodical Maintenance
SMS Safety Management System
SWTT Standard Working Timetable
TAHE Transport Asset Holding Entity; the representative of the network
owner, TfNSW
TfNSW Transport for New South Wales; the network owner represented by
TAHE
TSR Temporary Speed Restriction
2 JHR CRN Possession Program Overview
The JHR CRN track possession program is developed by the Network Planning Manager in conjunction with
a range of internal and external stakeholders identified within this manual.
Track possession programs are developed to accommodate the following works;
– AWP projects (including MPM works),
– Routine maintenance works, and
– Third-party funded projects,
– Work executed by third parties within the rail corridor.
Prior to publication in final form via a CTN, multiple draft possession programs may be developed and used to
identify the effect of proposed track possessions on passenger and freight services, and related parties.
The following are considered during the development of a track possession program:
– Minimising the effect of proposed works on rail services,
– Requirements of project scopes within the AWP,
– Third Party work requirements,
– Special event timing and location,
– Alignment with track possessions on either or both the ARTC or Sydney networks,
– Resource availability for conducting proposed works,
– Routine maintenance works program, including;
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– Ultrasonic rail testing,
– Ballast delivery and associated work train requirements,
– Rail grinding program.
2.1 Possession type and lead times
Different types of possessions, and their related lead times, have been developed to achieve the aims and
objectives described in this manual.
Possession types include;
1. Aligned possessions. These are possessions aligned with those of adjoining networks to ensure
disruption to rail services is minimised.
2. Non-aligned possessions. These are possessions that cannot be aligned with a possession on an
adjoining network and are classified as;
a. Primary possession – delays or cancellation of passenger services or mandatory freight paths will be
required, or
b. Secondary possession – delays or cancellations will only affect ad hoc train paths.
3. Short notice works possession. This is a possession required to rectify an infrastructure problem that
may, if not rectified, lead to deterioration of infrastructure and potentially threaten network service
continuity.
4. Emergency works possession. This is a possession imposed to rectify an urgent infrastructure problem
that is threatening, or will threaten, network service continuity, or to address or remove a condition within
the rail corridor that has the potential to escalate into a serious safety threat.
2.2 Aligned possessions
Where possible, possessions on CRN lines/sections used by passenger services and/or mandatory path
freight services, will be aligned with possessions planned by and on adjoining networks. Aligning possessions
with adjoining networks will minimise the effect of a CRN possession on rail operators and their customers.
Table 1 details the lead times applied for track possessions on lines used by passenger and/or mandatory
path freight services, where the possession will align with a possession on an adjoining network.
The Network Planning Manager will provide advice to all relevant internal stakeholders of planned adjoining
network possessions, to ensure that aligned possessions can be developed whenever possible, in preference
to non-aligned possessions, that may require the cancellation of passenger or mandatory path freight services.
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Table 1 – Aligned Possession Notice Period
Service cancellation
requirement
Minimum weeks advice to
Network Planning Manager
(Network Operations)
Minimum weeks advice to rail
operators
Passenger 28 26
Mandatory path freight 18 16
2.3 Non-aligned possessions
These are track possessions that cannot be aligned with a possession on an adjoining network and are
classified as;
a. Primary possession – delays or cancellation of passenger services or mandatory freight paths will be
required, or
b. Secondary possession – delays or cancellations will only affect ad hoc train paths.
2.3.1 primary non-aligned possessions
Where a track possession cannot be aligned with a possession on an adjoining network, and where the
proposed possession will require the cancellation of passenger and/or mandatory path freight services on lines
or sections noted in Table 3. The notice period for possession planning and implementation is detailed in Table
2.
Table 2 – Primary Non-aligned Possession Notice Period
Service cancellation
requirement
Minimum weeks advice to
Network Planning Manager
(Network Operations)
Minimum weeks advice to rail
operators
Passenger 28 26
Mandatory path freight 18 16
Table 3 – Passenger and Mandatory Path Freight Service Lines / Sections
Line or Section Passenger Mandatory Path Freight
Bowenfels – Orange Yes Yes
Orange – Dubbo Yes Yes
Orange – Parkes interface Yes Yes
Joppa Junction – Canberra Yes Yes
Junee – Griffith Yes Yes
Werris Creek – Armidale Yes
Wallerawang – Airly Junction Yes
Narromine – Cobar Yes
Narrabri Junction – Wee Waa Yes
2.3.2 secondary non-aligned possessions
These are track possessions that are;
a. Not aligned possessions, or
b. For lines or sections noted in Table 4, or
c. Proposed for lines or sections noted in Table 3 that do not require cancellation of, or delays to, passenger
or mandatory pathed freight services, or
d. Proposed for works noted in Table 5, or
e. That allow train services to continue operating under ‘block working’, or similar arrangements provided for
under the CRN Network Rules.
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Table 4 – Ad-hoc and Non-passenger Service Lines / Sections
Line / section
Camurra – Weemelah
Wee Waa – Walgett
Burren Junction – Merrywinebone
Bogan Gate interface – Tottenham
Stockinbingal interface – Griffith
Temora – Lake Cargelligo
Ungarie – Naradhan
Griffith – Hillston
Troy Junction interface – Coonamble
The Rock interface – Boree Creek
Nevertire – Warren South
Notice periods for secondary track possessions are detailed in Table 5.
These notice periods incorporate the time required to produce and distribute CTNs, and to provide rail
operators and other customers sufficient notice of proposed service disruption.
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Table 5 – Low Effect Non-aligned Possession Notice Period.
Proposed Works Possession Minimum weeks advice to
Network Planning Manager
(Network Operations)
Minimum weeks advice to rail
operators
Maintenance rolling stock
possession, including
movement of track machines,
SPENO ultrasonic testing, but
does not apply to track
recording car movements.
8 6
Daily works possession. For
completion of RM, MPM or
other works between defined
times within a single 24-hour
period, between defined times
or over defined blocks of time.
The track will be made
available for operation of
services at completion of a
Daily possession, or between
Daily possessions.
8 6
Window works possession.
Where RM, MPM or other
works require track closure for
a period more than [24-hours],
or where multiple blocks of
track closure time over
multiple days are required
between train services to
complete works.
8 6
2.4 Short notice works possessions
This is a possession required to carry out works to rectify an infrastructure problem that may, if not rectified,
lead to deterioration of infrastructure and potentially threaten service continuity.
The imposition of a short notice possession is managed by the Network Planning Manager on a case by case
basis.
Table 6 – Short Notice Works Possession Notice Period
Proposed Works Possession Minimum weeks advice to
Network Planning Manager
(Network Operations)
Minimum weeks advice to rail
operators
Short notice works As soon as possible One (1) day to 6 weeks
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2.5 Emergency works possessions
This is a track possession imposed to rectify an urgent infrastructure problem that is threatening, or will
threaten, service continuity, or to address or remove a condition within the rail corridor that has the potential
to escalate into a serious safety threat.
Table 7 – Emergency Works Possession Notice Period
Proposed Works Possession Minimum weeks advice to
Network Planning Manager
(Network Operations)
Minimum weeks advice to rail
operators
Emergency works Not applicable Not applicable
2.5.1 Requests for Emergency Possessions
A request for an emergency works possession must be made directly to CRN Network Control and the relevant
Network Control Officer (NCO).
Network
Control
Board
BAU Call Priority Call Emergency Back-up
Number
Public Free
Call
North 02 4028 9501 02 4028 9521 02 4028 9541 02 4028 9671 1800 643 373
South 02 4028 9502 02 4028 9522 02 4028 9542 02 4028 9672 1800 021 914
West 02 4028 9504 02 4028 9524 02 4028 9544 02 4028 9674 1800 427 198
3 Obtaining a Track Possession
This section provides the sequence of actions and decision points, from draft possession plans through to
production and the issue of a CTN and associated documents.
3.1 Possession program development process
The Network Planning Manager in consultation with all relevant internal stakeholders and TAHE will develop
a draft possession program, covering the period 1 July to 30 June, to align with the proposed delivery of routine
maintenance and annual works plan programs.
The draft possession program will consider the following:
– Identification of opportunities for aligned possessions.
– Identification of passenger and mandatory path freight service disruptions from non-aligned possessions.
– Potential requirement for rescheduling of passenger or mandatory path freight services.
– Proposed works under the AWP.
– Scheduled routine maintenance requirements, such as ultrasonic testing, track recording car operations,
etc.
– Service provision requirements under rail operator access agreements.
– Known special events and related passenger train service demand.
– Project planning advice from internal stakeholders including;
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– Resource availability.
– Long lead time materials
– Procurement tenders
– Any other known service delivery requirements.
The Flowchart in Figure 1 highlights the track possession program development process.
Figure 1 – Application Flowchart
Figure 2 – Rail operator consultation process
Start
Infrastructure
possession pequest
NPM to determine
effect of requested
possession
Primary non-aligned
possessions
Provide notification
to TAHE for
endorsement
Approved
Advise requesting
staff of approved
possession request
Update long term
network operating
plan
Possession plan
Draft Country Train
Notice
Safe Notice
requirements
End
Declined
Advise
infrastructure of
declined possession
request
End
Start
Possession plan
provided to Rail
Operator
Operator Objection
to Network Planning
Manager
Possession
Rescheduled
Possession
Upheld
End
Escalated to Manager Network Operations
Decision by
MNO
Consideration by MNO given to:
– Minimise effect to Rail Operators
– Location and access constraints
– Known weather patterns
– Resource availability
– Possession Alignment with other networks
– Opportunity to reschedule based on seasonal traffic
patterns
Advise:
Rail Operator
Operations Manager (TAHE – TfNSW)
Escalation to
JHR/TAHE
Yes
N o
Consultation
undertaken with
Rail Operators
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3.2 Choosing the appropriate possession
The Network Planning Manager will work with internal stakeholders to determine what type of possessions
best suits the proposed works, considering the following factors;
– The effect of a proposed track possession on continuity of service delivery and rail services,
– The location of the proposed works and track possession,
– The scope of the works,
– The requested period in which the works are to be performed,
– The duration of the track possession requested,
– In consultation with the party proposing a track possession, determine if the work can be carried out
outside the danger zone and thus if a track possession may not be required,
– Advice from the relevant project manager or supervisor regarding resource availability,
– Inclusion of work trains or track machines to carry out the proposed works,
– The need for sidings to be cleared of vehicles,
– Any interruptions required to line-side operations by a third-party in order to allow works to be carried out
safely, e.g. on sidings.
– Factors related to Safe Working at network interfaces.
3.3 Possession planning and implementation requirements
A project manager or works supervisor must ensure the following matters are considered and addressed prior
to proposing to the NPM a request for a track possession.
3.3.1 infrastructure alterations
If any changes to infrastructure will result from proposed works, these must be clearly defined and approved
prior to applying for a track possession and must be included in any possession application. This will allow for
the preparation of relevant Safeworking documentation, such as Safe Notices or amendments to Country
Network Local Appendices.
3.3.2 Location of Works
The location of a proposed work site or sites, and the works to be carried out at each site or sites, must be
clearly defined and communicated within an application for a track possession.
3.3.3 proposed track protection arrangements
The proposed track possession area must be protected in accordance with the Network Rules & Procedures.
Any proposed track protection variations must be approved by relevant internal stakeholders, prior to approval
of a track possession.
3.3.4 Effect on rail services
The effect on rail services will be the primary consideration when assessing applications for all non-aligned
track possessions.
Applicants seeking non-aligned track possessions must check the current track possession program to
determine if the proposed location and/or date of a track possession will affect service continuity.
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3.3.5 Preferred Work Dates
It is important to determine if the proposed works can be carried out within an aligned track possession to
minimise disruption to train services.
If a non-aligned primary possession or short notice works track possession is required, it is necessary to clearly
define preferred work dates, or a range of dates, to allow track possession alternatives to be considered, to
reduce or eliminate any interruption to service delivery.
Note; the nomination of a date for a proposed track possession does not guarantee that a track possession
will be approved for that date.
3.3.6 Duration of track possession
To determine the duration of a track possession, the Network Planning Manager will work with the applicant
to determine the period required to complete the proposed works and to return the relevant section to
operational status, including allocating sufficient time to:
– Mobilise the workforce and to have all plant on site,
– Assemble or stockpile materials on-site, either prior to or during the track possession,
– Prepare the site,
– Complete all the works and certify the track for resumption of operations,
– Clean up and restore the site to the required standard,
– Allow for a contingency period for the effect of adverse conditions, e.g. rain.
Failure to allow enough time for a possession increases the risk of over-time works, which may affect the return
of the line / section to operational status and thus may delay passenger of freight services.
Allowing too much time to complete works reduces network service available and will cause delays to
passenger and/or freight services.
The appropriateness of track possession durations will be monitored as a key performance indicator and used
as a planning tool to minimise network service disruption.
3.3.7 Live Line Constraints
These apply to;
– Dual track sections of the network and include speed restriction on track adjacent to work sites where
such restrictions may cause delays to services on adjacent lines, and
– Any temporary speed restriction (TSR) applicable prior to, during and after work is completed.
Parties requesting track possessions in areas where live line constraints potentially apply, must provide any
proposed live line constraints to the NPM in the track possession application.
Any live line constraint will be considered in the track possession approval process, and if approved, be
included in relevant track possession program, CTN or Safe Notice.
3.3.8 Work train / track machine involvement
It is critical to ensure the inclusion of work trains or track vehicles as a component of proposed works requiring
a track possession is communicated clearly to the NPM at the time a possession request is made.
This will allow lead times for pathing across other networks can be met and to ensure that, where required,
sidings can be cleared.
Failure to notify the NPM of the inclusion of work trains or track vehicle movements within the boundaries of a
possession at the time of application may lead to the possession application being declined, or to an approved
track possession being cancelled.
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4 Applying to Work Within an Aligned Possession
Table 8 outlines the requirements, timeline, responsibilities and application process for work within aligned
possessions.
Table 8 – Aligned Possession Timetable
>12 Months 12-6 Months 8 Weeks 4 – 6 Weeks 2 – 4 Days
Coordinate
Possession Dates
with Stakeholders
Major Projects
identified
Bids Close Outstanding
Actions
Completed
PO Briefing
Sydney Trains Confirm
Possession
Length
Possession Times
Finalised
Approval “Go/No
go” Possession
Bids
ARTC Ensure No
Conflicts
Pre-possession
Meeting
Final CTN
Published
Draft CTN
Where possible, maximum use of aligned possession periods is encouraged, and as such late requests to
include works within aligned possessions will be considered on a case by case basis.
Late requests should be supported by a clear statement of the benefits and costs associated with;
a. including the proposed works within a planned possession and
b. not undertaking the works at the proposed time or within the planned possession.
5 Publication of Track Possession Documentation
5.1 Publication of the possession program
The CRN Possession Program will be updated and distributed to internal stakeholders, TAHE, rail operators,
adjacent networks and other relevant parties. The possession program will be updated as required, where
changes occur to works delivery or timing.
This possessions program will be published on or about the 20th of each month and distributed via email and
uploaded to the John Holland CRN website www.jhrcrn.com.au .
Publication of Country Train Notices must be at least 7 days, and up to 42 days, prior to the commencement
of a planned track possession.
5.2 Rail operator consultation
The Network Planning Manager or delegate consults with relevant rail operators and other stakeholders about
the track possession planning process, and obtains feedback on the effect implemented possessions had on
their operations and how planned possessions may affect their operations.
This feedback is incorporated into the track possessions planning process via the Network Planning Manager,
to ensure rail operator views are considered when planning works.
5.3 Adjoining network consultation
The NPM liaises with representatives of adjoining networks on a regular basis, including formal monthly
discussions. This enables the NPM to include track possession programs planned by these networks into the
draft CRN possession program.
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5.4 Consultation with the network owner
The Network Planning Manager will ensure the network owner (TAHE) is kept appraised of the development
of the possessions program, and any changes to aligned and non-aligned possessions.
6 Track Possession Alterations
6.1 Changes to aligned possessions
Requests for changes to aligned track possessions must be submitted to the NPM no less than 28 days prior
to the commencement of the scheduled possession.
Requests are to be accompanied by a detailed description of why the approved aligned possession (or part
thereof) is to be cancelled. The Network Planning Manager shall be responsible for decisions relating to an
approval to change all or part of an aligned possession.
As the primary focus of possession planning is to reduce the effect of track closures on rail operations by
aligning CRN possessions with those of adjacent networks, cancelling an aligned possession will only occur
when no alternative strategy is available.
6.2 Changes to non-aligned possessions
A proposal to change an approved track possession must be submitted to the Network Planning Manager no
later than 28 days prior to the commencement of the scheduled possession.
Requests are to be accompanied by a detailed description of why the approved aligned possession (or part
thereof) is to be cancelled. The Network Planning Manager shall be responsible for decisions relating to an
approval to change all of part of a non-aligned possession.
6.3 Cancelling a programmed track possession
A request to cancel a programmed track possession must be submitted to the Network Planning Manager no
later than three (3) working days prior to the commencement of the scheduled possession.
Possession cancellation requests are to be accompanied with a description of why the possession is to be
cancelled.
7 Additional Information
7.1 Work trains
Work train path requests for paths on the CRN must be sent to the Network Planning Manager at least 14 days
prior to the commencement of a scheduled possession. Any amendment to a work train path on the CRN must
be submitted to the CRN network programmer.
Any work train paths through the Sydney Trains or ARTC networks must submitted to those networks at least
28 days prior to the commencement of a scheduled possession.
Work train path requests, once approved, will be published in the form of CTNs.
The NPM will create a work train possession plan for each work train operating within a possession.
7.2 Ultrasonic testing
Ultrasonic rail testing (via an on-track recording car) is carried out in the CRN on specific train paths. Track
possessions are not required for these movements.
The ultrasonic testing runs will be included as a component of the possession program and will be advertised
via a CTN.
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