The ARTC had not instigated proactive action to manage the increased risk of a buckling event in accordance with their procedure ETM-06-06 (Managing Track Stability – Concrete Sleepered Track) at section 1.11.5 - ‘Special Locations’.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation has advised that:
Track maintenance staff have been provided with additional training on the consequences of multiple track disturbances altering the stress free temperature of rail track. The training will provide an enhanced level of compliance with the requirements of procedure ETM-06-06 (Managing Track Stability - Concrete Sleepered Track).
Other action taken by the Australian Rail Track Corporation:
Following the derailment and subsequent reinstatement of the track the Australian Rail Track Corporation undertook stress free temperature testing at ten sites near the ‘Point of Derailment’. Tests established that the rail stress free temperature was within specified tolerances.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation has implemented a ballast remediation program on the Melbourne- Sydney rail corridor. This work will continue as programmed until completed, following which further works will be undertaken at sites having identified formation weakness.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by the Australian Track Corporation addresses this safety issue.
