The ARTC Hunter Valley corridor capacity strategy includes an ongoing rerailing program essential to ensure that the rail has adequate structural capacity to carry specified axle loads and to reduce the risk of rail breaks as defects in the rail occur over time.

Fundamental to the Hunter Valley Rerailing Project is the use of Flash Butt Welding (FBW) over aluminothermic welds as the preferred method for welded rail joints. FBW provides the highest quality weld, saves track time with a faster installation and has a longer life cycle compared to thermite welding, ultimately reducing maintenance costs over time.

ARTC engages a panel of rerailing contractors which are supported by Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) and our FBW activities. SRA have completed works with John Holland Group and are actively engaged with other partner contractors to provide support for ARTC rerailing projects into the future.