Metro’s maintenance and renewal team has spent six days and nights replacing track infrastructure on the sharpest curves on the Metro network in Melbourne’s inner north.

Known as the ‘Rushall Curves’, the 400-metre stretch of duplicated track lies between Rushall and Merri stations on the Mernda Line.

The curves are subject to stronger centrifugal forces (outward force) than at any other point on Metro’s 1,000-kilometre network.

The works were completed in 145 continuous hours over a six-day period.

A crew of 30 people replaced more than 700 metres of track, 2,000 tonnes of ballast, 775 sleepers, and removed more than 6,000 cubic metres of spoil.

Works on the Rushall Curves form part of Metro’s on-going program of maintenance and renewal, with $12 million spent every week to maintain trains, rail equipment and technology.

Metro’s General Manager – Infrastructure Jasper Milligan says the Rushall Curves are a unique part of the network and requires more careful planning.

“Safety is the foundation of everything we do. Because of the unique design of this section of track, we required a more intensive level of planning and maintenance.

“We used a six-day period to renew this section of track and support a safer, more reliable journey for our passengers.

“Mernda Line passengers can rest easy knowing that every service they take is safe thanks to the hard work of our dedicated teams.”