Line repair update 29 August 2016

Classic Rail - the private consortium that’s working to restore train services on the historic Knysna-George railway line - is pressing on with repairs to the section between Knysna Station and Keytersnek Siding, while at the same time attending to the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase of the project, which will establish its actual capex requirement.

“The line has now been cleared and weed control will follow soon,” said Classic Rail’s Project Manager, Alan McVitty.

He explained that 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; and sleeper requirements.

“Engineers are currently preparing repair options for the Donkey Bridge and the slip at km 62,” he said. (See photo).

Mr. McVitty said that Classic Rail is extremely grateful to Transnet Freight Rail’s engineers (RME) for their help in providing historic data and technical assistance.

PUBLIC ACCESS TO RAILWAY PROPERTY

Classic Rail Track Engineer Etienne Beukes announced with regret that the company is now forced to close the line to all unauthorised personnel - that is, to anyone not covered by its contractors all risk policy.

“This means that only registered site personnel and those in possession of an access letter from Classic Rail or Transnet Freight Rail may now access the line,” he said.

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