Culvert upgrades east of Kalgoorlie (in WA’s central south) are set to begin this weekend as part of the $2.8 billion Network Investment Program, being delivered by the Australian Government and ARTC.
The upgrades will strengthen the resilience of the critical east-west rail corridor against extreme weather, with crews replacing ageing culverts at three locations between Kalgoorlie and Zanthus.
The upgrades will improve drainage and reduce the risk of flood damage to the railway, helping keep freight moving more safely and reliably between Western Australia and the eastern states.
Crews will remove the existing track and culverts before installing new reinforced concrete structures that will carry more water away from the railway during heavy rainfall.
Once the new culverts are installed, crews will rebuild the track and prepare the railway to safely reopen to freight services.
ARTC has worked closely with freight operators to plan the work around train movements and minimise disruption.
The new culverts have been designed to safely manage a one in a hundred year flood event, including projected climate change impacts to 2060.
These works form part of broader investment along the east-west corridor to strengthen vulnerable parts of the railway and reduce the risk and impact of weather-related disruptions.
Recent upgrades have already shown the value of this investment, with nine upgraded locations along the east-west corridor withstanding flooding in 2026.
Since 2024, new banks of culverts have been installed at 27 sites between South Australia and Western Australia, mitigating the risk of washaways at 35 existing culvert locations.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“The Albanese Government is delivering vital upgrades to bolster the resilience and reliability of the east-west corridor.
“As we reach another important milestone in this program, this investment will improve rail infrastructure and support the safe, reliable and efficient movement of freight across the country.
“By supporting future growth, these upgrades will ensure that freight can support domestic and international trade for many decades to come.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia Dorinda Cox:
“The east-west rail corridor is an essential link between Western Australia and the rest of the country.
“When extreme weather disrupts that connection, the impacts can be felt right across our supply chains and in the cost and availability of everyday goods, especially in our regions.
“By strengthening vulnerable sections of the rail network, we’re helping protect this vital freight route, reduce the risk of costly disruptions and keep goods moving between WA and the eastern states.
“This is about building more resilient infrastructure that our communities and industries can rely on, now and into the future.”
Quotes attributable to ARTC CEO & Managing Director Wayne Johnson:
“The east-west rail corridor is one of Australia’s most important freight links, carrying goods between Western Australia and the eastern states every day.
“These upgrades target locations where better drainage can make the railway more resilient to significant rainfall and reduce the risk of damage and disruption.
“At these sites, we are replacing the existing culverts with a much stronger structure designed to manage a one in a hundred year flood event, taking projected climate change impacts through to 2060 into account.
“This is a good example of how we are targeting investment through the Network Investment Program to strengthen vulnerable parts of the network and help keep Australia’s supply chains moving.”
