Level Crossing Upgrade – Edilon Sedra Panel System

The Newell Highway is a major route for freight and connects Victoria through NSW into Queensland. The level crossing in Narrabri West required upgrading of the road surface and the rail components from the existing asphalt crossing which was showing signs of failure due to the significant traffic which uses it every day. The level crossing required a full depth track reconditioning with associated rail works.

The upgrade involved extensive stakeholder management due to the location and requirements around the upgrade. Coordination was required between JHRCRN, RMS, Council and local stakeholders such as schools, residents and businesses. Coordinating with RMS and Council, a large temporary bypass road was constructed to allow traffic to still flow during the construction of the level crossing.

The Edilon Sedra Embedded Rail System was used for the Narrabri level crossing upgrade. The system was developed in the 1970s and has been used extensively in Europe since. The system uses modular panels, eliminating the requirement of small hardware components and insitu concrete pours. Using a product developed by Edilon Sedra, the rail is held in place in the channels of the panel with Corkelast. Edilon Sedra has installed a small amount of these systems across Australia, however this was the first of its type on the CRN. The system saves time, eliminating concrete dry time on site which is essential as rail possessions get shorter.

The Narrabri level crossing upgrade also involved a full depth track reconditioning with new sleepers (outside the panels), rail and ballast installed. The subgrade under the panels of the Edilon Sedra required a specific geotechnical design to accommodate the system. A new pedestrian crossing was installed to comply with DDA and BCA requirements.

Lycopodium provided project management for the level crossing upgrade with involvement for approximately 12-months prior to the construction occurring. This began at the scoping phase and ended with onsite project management during the construction itself. The project required extensive stakeholder management, design management, procurement of all materials and sub-contractors, on-site project management, project documentation and approvals (internal and external), budget and cost management, community engagement and practical completion of the project. Lycopodium have an ongoing relationship with JHRCRN and have been involved in the project management of numerous level crossing upgrades and other projects on the CRN. The level crossing upgrade in Narrabri presented multiple challenges to the team due to the location and significant stakeholders involved. Stakeholder management and community engagement was crucial to ensure the project occurred with no disruption to the community and the high stakes of the project reflected well on the client and the role they play in small communities across regional NSW.

The level crossing upgrade on the Newell Highway in Narrabri pairs itself with the Parkes level crossing upgrade which is also on the Newell Highway and utilises the Edilon Sedra system.