In the middle of the beautiful Yarra Valley over the past few months the Way & Works team have been very productive completing much needed drainage works for Stage 1 project (complete reconstruction of rail infrastructure between Yarra Glen and the Tunnel, approx. 10km in total!) in a large cutting between Br 25 and Tarrawarra Estate. One of the most important aspects in keeping a solid and maintenance free track structure is controlling the water egress onto the formation and the team focus has been:
- Table Drains: along the top of the cutting walls large open spoon drains are being cut-in to deflect water flows from the surrounding countryside and redirecting it to fixed discharge points and thus preventing erosion of the cutting walls themselves and flooding of the track formation
Moving forward following the development of a track design model from one of our Rail Industry Survey friends (lookout for a future blog), additional drainage works will follow in the cutting:
- Renewal of a 100 year old brick channel drain and culvert
- Installation of a new cross-track drainage pipe and pit run
- Reshaping the cess drains either side of the formation
It’s all taking shape with plenty of works happening very day of the week on the YVR, an amazing effort by a volunteer organization. If you would like to get involved, please get in contact with us.