Classic Rail, the private consortium that's working to restore train services on the historic Knysna <> George railway line, has released an update on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe line repairs. According to the update:
- the section between Knysna Station and Keytersnek Siding has been cleared and weed control will follow soon
- Classic Rail is attending to the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase of the project, which will establish its actual capex requirement
- the FEED phase will include:
- assessments of the retaining structures required to repair major and minor slips
- the repairs required on the causeway and bridges across the Knysna Estuary
- repairs to storm water crossings and furrows
- sleeper requirements
- Engineers are currently preparing repair options for the Donkey Bridge and the slip at km 62
- Classic Rail is working with Knysna & Partners to establish an "Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Trust" that will receive and distribute funds to the project
- Classic Rail plans to have its Knysna Dinner Train running between Knysna and Keytersnek by April 2017
- Classic Rail plans to have the steam-driven Choo Tjoe running between Knysna and Sedgefield as soon as possible after April 2017
- The second phase of the roll-out will include installing another turntable and a steam locomotive workshop at Sedgefield Station
- The opening of the line between Sedgefield and George will follow when other funds become available - and Classic Rail's ultimate plan includes the introduction of Road-to-Rail freight trains in 2020
- Classic Rail is forced to close the line to all unauthorised personnel; only registered site personnel and those in possession of an access letter from Classic Rail or Transnet Freight Rail may now access the line
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