William Scott
Inland Rail is undertaking preparatory works in and around Central Wagga Wagga, with drilling underway to determine the precise location of underground utilities.
Machinery will drill into road surfaces in Edmondson Street, Erin Street, Macleay Street and Railway Street, pinpointing where underground power, gas and water utilities are located.
The work is expected to conclude by 6pm on Wednesday 19 February.
During the investigations, traffic controllers will be in place to ensure the safety of drivers and workers, and temporary parking restrictions will be in place along Erin Street, Railway Street and Macleay Street.
Motorists are asked to drive to the conditions, obey signs and traffic control, as well as to allow extra travel time.
Works activities are being scheduled to minimise disruptions to traffic where possible.
Access to private properties will be maintained during the investigations. Site workers will keep noise to a minimum and be respectful of local residents, with site activity – including noise, vibration and traffic – being monitored to ensure compliance with state government approval conditions.
Inland Rail Project Director Albury to Illabo, Malcolm Clark, said that these utilities investigations are an important first step towards the start of construction works later in 2025.
“Teams from contractor Martinus Rail will be detecting and recording the precise locations of underground utilities which may need to be managed or relocated as part of our work to enable the use of double-stacked freight trains through Wagga Wagga,” Mr Clark said.
“We understand this will cause some inconvenience to local residents and road users – we will do our absolute best to minimise any disruption, and we thank the community for their patience and understanding.”
