1) Last week the final section of track slab was poured within the High Wycombe dive structure. With more than 27,000 sleepers and 2400 tonnes of Australian-made steel in place along the 8.5km alignment, track laying is now complete.
Final touches, such as tamping of ballasted track and grinding of the rail, are still required to ensure the track surface is smooth.
2) Another cause for celebration was the completion of the High Wycombe Station car park. Stretching across three levels and providing parking for 1200 cars and 52 motorcycles, this multi-deck design was chosen to free up land near the station for future development.
Bayswater Junction PSP on the right path
Top soil has been cleared along the alignment of the principal shared path (PSP) on the southern side of the rail reserve in preparation for tree planting in the coming months.
Construction of the western end of the PSP itself commenced last month with compaction of the subbase – a layer of aggregate material – and limestone. Up next is asphalting, however drier weather is required for this step.
Earlier this month, the 25kV Track Sectioning Cabin was connected to the overhead power supply infrastructure within the dive structure. Located next to the Bayswater portal building, automated switches within the cabin control the ‘neutral zone’, a non-electrified section between the Airport and Midland lines. It’s basically a giant circuit breaker.
Redcliffe Station stepping up
Redcliffe Station is not quite as intricate as 'Snakes & Ladders', however still offers a number of options when it comes to navigating the different levels. Lifts, escalators, stairs – with the latter currently being fitted with glass balustrades, handrails and pre-fabricated concrete finishes to the individual steps.
Outside, within the ‘kiss and ride’ zone, earthworks and installation of light pole foundations have been finalised. More than 20 drop-off and ACROD bays will be available in this area.
At the eastern end of the station precinct, priming and sealing is underway for the tie-in between the station busway and the Dunreath Drive/Brearley Avenue roundabout.
Topping off the floor at Airport Central Station
Featuring heavily this month at Airport Central Station are tiling works and associated activities. From platform to atrium to elevated entry, screed (layer of material between the concrete floor and the finished surface) and tiles are popping up everywhere.
Finishing touches are also being applied to the 35m-long triple escalator system that connects the station entry and concourse levels. Currently encased in scaffolding, the structure is having its external cladding installed.
Planting a theme at High Wycombe Station
With the station building construction and fit-out nearing completion, activity has moved to the forecourt where paving works and the construction of planter boxes are taking shape.
Revegetation has also started along the embankment between the platform and Dundas Road, with a colourful selection of native tube stock in the ground ready to flourish come spring.
Further north, at the corner of Dundas and Maida Vale roads, a new roundabout and footpaths have been constructed. These improvements to the road network were necessary to facilitate access to the station's multi-deck car park.
Sump and pumps at tunnel low points
Fit-out of the 12 tunnel-to-tunnel and three tunnel-to-egress shaft cross passages is well advanced, with MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) works at the forefront.
At two cross passages, located at the tunnel low points, epoxy coating of the sumps is underway in preparation for installation of pumps. It is here that water (from rain and cleaning) will be collected to be pumped to the surface.