The Shepparton Corridor Upgrade project encompasses a series of infrastructure improvements along the Shepparton Rail Corridor between Seymour and Shepparton. The scope includes enabling VLocity train operations to Shepparton, undertaking culvert structural repairs, and upgrading the corridor to achieve Track Class 2M. These works support increased line speeds of up to 130 km/h and an enhanced axle load capacity of 21 tonnes (TAL).
Dex was engaged by the Alliance (Coleman Rail and KBR) to undertake a comprehensive risk assessment and prepare a supporting report to determine the necessity of guard rails at various bridge structures along the corridor. This involved applying a risk-based methodology to assess potential train derailment scenarios, comparing the existing risk profile with the proposed operational conditions, and evaluating outcomes in accordance with the “so far as is reasonably practicable” (SFAIRP) principle.
The assessment covered numerous underbridges and overbridges along the Shepparton Line and incorporated a review of Level 3 structural investigations, particularly in relation to the consequences of train collision events.