GWI opens Australian bridge damaged in cyclone

Written by jrood

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. reopened the Edith River Bridge in Australia's Northern Territory following the December 27, 2011, derailment of a Genesee & Wyoming Australia Pty Ltd freight train in flood waters associated with Cyclone Grant.

Successful testing and validation of the bridge structure under various axle loads commenced Friday, February 24, and regular service to Darwin will resume on Wednesday, February 29.

Over the past week, the river receded to a level that permitted three intermodal containers that remained in the river to be removed safely and without incident. The river banks were patrolled and cleaned of debris for five kilometers (3.1 miles) downstream of the bridge. GWA will continue to monitor the site and if needed, conduct further cleanups as water levels decline over the coming months.

The bridge reopening was twice delayed by discovery during the repair process of hidden damage to the bridge structure, which required additional strengthening and restoration work.

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