Straightening the Beach Extension

Philden's track working crew moved in over the weekend to straighten the bottleneck that was hindering operation on the new beach extension. The three track configuration was lifted up and the turnout for the number one siding removed ahead of works commencing on the new Countrylink Travel Centre. The mainline and platform terminus track has been straightened and relaid over the original alignment of the number one siding, while the lead track to the future Port Yard was also lifted ahead of the bridge crew carrying out minor structural enhancements to the concrete spans.

I thought this simple detail addition made a simple balsa wood bridge more believable.

The signals branch also had to retrofit the port access bridge with steel arms to carry signal cabling across the right-of-way. The steel brackets, (leftovers from the Faller cement plant) were attached to the bridge on the harbour side, with the white plastic conduit carrying the cabling (unpainted white 2mm styrene rod) attached to the underside as shown in the above photo.

There's still more detail to be added around the harbour walls.

Port Authority personnel then moved in to finish the concrete harbour walls with timber capping, and attempted to secure the area with some chain link fencing, which unfortunately rusted the moment it was erected due to the salt air.

The bridge looks so much better with the spacing sprues removed from between each sleeper.

RailCorp workers then moved onsite to re-lay the Port Yard lead track across the bridge, cutting the spaces between each flextrack sleeper or tie to ensure closer spacing over the concrete span while also allowing a slightly wider gap for the rails to clear each of the steel signal cable brackets.

Realigning the platform road required cutting a straighter approach through the concrete apron.

Architects for the new state-of-the-art Travel Centre then had to consult with Port Authority and RailCorp personnel over the alignment of the new end platform road, with the result being that the concrete apron on the Port Authority Yard was trimmed back to ensure a straighter approach to what will be a stub-ended platform siding.

The original design looked better, but the space constraints made operating difficult.

Compared to earlier construction photos (above), the resultant changes will now mean that any freight locomotives will have to be stored between duties on the approach prior to the Port Authority bridge at roughly the location of the former turnout in the above photo.

The new arrangement has more room to get hands-on, and size enough to build a bigger station structure.

With Countrylink deciding to terminate all future passenger services at Phills Harbour, the new platform road will be provided with a buffer stop, and earthworks are already taking place at the end of the newly laid track. The concrete area to the side of the platform road will now be set aside for fuel and crew provisioning facilities for Countrylink Xplorer services, while work has already commenced on positioning the platform base and edging for the future station. The new arrangement will greatly simplify rail movements to and from nearby Philden Yard, while also allowing for massive expansion opportunities should the Port Authority move in that direction.

When contacted, the Countrylink Area Manager of Operations stated that the necessary track wiring had already been completed, with ballasting set to commence the next day. Plans for the new Countrylink Travel Centre were already finalised, and once finished, future passengers could expect a pleasant and modern station to greet them when boarding the train to Sydney. For the moment, road coach connections will continue to transport passengers to nearby Philden to connect with the daily South North West Xplorer. Phills Harbour Station is earmarked to be completed by Christmas 2018.

See also; The Port becomes operational