Safety Issue
The random wide pattern installation of steel sleepers that
existed at Yerong Creek can cause localised variations in track
stiffness which can impact on the riding qualities of rollingstock
resulting in an increase in forces, including lateral forces.
Safety Recommendation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that the
Australian Rail Track Corporation takes action to address this
safety issue.
Prior to the derailment, the ARTC had undertaken a program to
identify and conduct remedial action where steel sleepers have not
been installed in accordance with standards. The ARTC had also
indicated that they will be resleepering the Melbourne to Sydney
corridor with concrete sleepers. This program has been confirmed
and will ultimately result in the removal of all steel sleepers
from the Melbourne to Sydney main line.
