31 August 2016

Garden Route: Update on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe line repairs!

update (15 Sept 2016): Classic Rail has uploaded some pics of the team cleaning the line at Keytersnek and Red Light Siding.



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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