Leven River Rail Bridge Successfully Tied In to TasRail Network

After 60 hours of continuous work, a freight train rolling across the Leven Bridge at 9.10pm last night signalled the new Leven River Rail Bridge was successfully tied into the TasRail network.

The Leven River Rail Bridge is a $10M project, one of four bridge replacements in the North West of Tasmania funded under the Australian Government Nation Building Program.

TasRail has been working in partnership with award winning local construction firm VEC Civil Engineering to build the bridge and deliver the tie in works across the four bridges.

Damien White, TasRail CEO, said he was relieved that the tie in had gone so smoothly, but not surprised.

“The weather over the weekend of the tie-in was treacherous, with heavy rain falling, making working conditions somewhat challenging.

“Despite this, the TasRail and VEC teams did whatever it took to get it done, as they have on the previous tie-ins, demonstrating the power of good planning and tight project management.”

The new bridge comprises 6 spans and has elegant curved shape, matching the curve of the newly constructed town bridge downstream.

Improved rail alignment on the new structure will allow for improved transit times and reduced maintenance. TasRail trains will be able to travel at normal speeds, rather than the restricted pace needed previously when the deteriorating concrete bridge was being used.

The new bridge is also approximately 1m higher than the existing rail bridge, providing greater headroom for watercraft.
Damien White, TasRail CEO