Full Section and Shoulder Ballast Cleaning - ARTC

Discipline Category 

Technical Specification Track & Civil - Construction 

Full Section and Shoulder Ballast 

Cleaning 

ETC-04-01 

Applicability 

ARTC Network wide 

New South Wales 

Western Jurisdiction 

Victoria 

Primary Source 

Document Status Record 

Status Date Prepared Reviewed Endorsed Approved 

Issue 1 

Revision 0 

May 06 

Standards 

& Systems 

Alliance 

Partners 

List of Amendments 

Manager 

Standards & 

Systems 

Issue Date Clause Description 

1.0 11/05/2006 First issue 

Safety 

Committee 

08/05/2006 

Disclaimer 

This document is for internal use by the Australian Rail Track Corporation Ltd (“ARTC”) only and may not be relied on by any other party. ARTC: 

1. does not accept any liability or responsibility whatsoever for this Document in respect of any use or reliance upon it by any other party; and 

2. does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy or reliability of this Document.

Technical Specification 

Track & Civil - Construction ETC-04-01 

Full Section and Shoulder Ballast Cleaning 

Contents 

1. General.......................................................................................................................4 

1.1 Extent of Work...................................................................................................4 

1.2 Definitions .........................................................................................................4 

1.3 Scope of Works.................................................................................................4 

1.4 Responsibilities .................................................................................................5 

1.5 Certification .......................................................................................................5 

1.6 Drawings ...........................................................................................................5 

1.7 Service Identification .........................................................................................5 

1.8 Co-Ordination with Service Authorities .............................................................6 

1.9 Service relocations............................................................................................6 

1.10 Interpretation of Railway Construction and Maintenance Terms ......................6 

1.11 Definition of the Site ..........................................................................................7 

1.12 Works Excluded from Contract .........................................................................7 

1.13 Supply and Delivery Of Materials......................................................................7 

1.14 Hot Weather ......................................................................................................7 

1.15 Construction Under Traffic – Rail ......................................................................7 

2. Quality Assurance ......................................................................................................8 

2.1 Quality System Standard ..................................................................................8 

2.2 Quality Plan.......................................................................................................8 

2.3 Inspection and Tests .........................................................................................9 

2.4 Records.............................................................................................................9 

2.5 Quality Audit and Non-Conformances...............................................................9 

2.6 Occupational Health and Safety........................................................................9 

2.7 Rail Safety Act...................................................................................................9 

3. Hold Points and Witness Points ...............................................................................10 

3.1 Hold Points......................................................................................................10 

3.2 Witness Points ................................................................................................10 

4. Standards and References.......................................................................................11 

4.1 General ...........................................................................................................11 

4.2 Applicable Track and Civil ARTC Standards...................................................11 

5. Protection of the Environment ..................................................................................12 

5.1 General ...........................................................................................................12 

5.2 Disposal of Material.........................................................................................12 

5.3 Dust Suppression............................................................................................12 

5.4 Fire Risk ..........................................................................................................12 

6. Access......................................................................................................................13 

Issue 1 Australian Rail Track Corporation 

Revision 0 This document is uncontrolled when printed 

May 2006 Page 2 of 26




6.1 Access to the Site ...........................................................................................13 

6.2 Construction Access .......................................................................................13 

6.3 Access along Public Roads.............................................................................13 

6.4 Use of Public Roads........................................................................................13 

6.5 Use of Structures by Construction Plant .........................................................14 

6.6 Access Roads through Private Properties ......................................................14 

7. Survey ......................................................................................................................15 

7.1 Setting Out of the Works .................................................................................15 

7.2 Marking Out.....................................................................................................15 

8. Full Section Ballast Cleaning....................................................................................16 

8.1 Ballast depth investigation ..............................................................................16 

8.2 Design of and installation of drainage lines.....................................................16 

8.3 Full section ballast cleaning ............................................................................16 

8.4 In-face surfacing..............................................................................................17 

9. Shoulder Ballast Cleaning ........................................................................................18 

9.1 Ballast depth investigation ..............................................................................18 

9.2 Design of and installation of drainage lines.....................................................18 

9.3 Shoulder ballast cleaning ................................................................................18 

9.4 In-face surfacing..............................................................................................18 

10. Signals......................................................................................................................20 

10.1 Signalling Support Staff...................................................................................20 

10.2 Applicable ARTC Signalling Standards...........................................................20 

11. Acceptance Criteria ..................................................................................................21 

11.1 Completion of Work.........................................................................................21 

11.2 Handover documentation ................................................................................21 

11.3 Defects Liability Period....................................................................................21 

12. Planning and Restrictions.........................................................................................22 

12.1 General Planning ............................................................................................22 

12.2 Speed Restrictions ..........................................................................................22 

12.3 Contract Program............................................................................................22 

12.4 Safe-working ...................................................................................................22 

12.5 Staff Rail Safety Training ................................................................................23 

Appendix A - Schedule of Principal Supplied Items...........................................................24 

Appendix B - Works Excluded from the Contract ..............................................................25 

Appendix C - Schedule of Tender Drawings......................................................................26 







1. General 

1.1 Extent of Work 

This Specification provides for the full section and shoulder ballast cleaning and the 

associated civil works required to be undertaken on plain line track. 

Full section ballast cleaning and shoulder cleaning are to be considered as separate 

maintenance activities. 

It excludes ballast cleaning of tunnels, turnouts, platforms (one side shoulder ballast 

cleaning only) and areas adjacent to structures as specified in ARTC Standard 

BMS01. 

1.2 Definitions 

Unless defined otherwise in the contract documents, terms used in this Specification 

shall have the following meanings assigned: 

'Principal' shall mean Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). 

'Superintendent' shall mean the person/s appointed by the Principal to act 

as the nominated Clients Representative. 

'Contractor' shall mean the Contractor engaged for the work to be 

carried out under this Specification. 

'Project Quality Plan' shall mean the Contractor's Project Quality Plan for the 

Project. 

'Approved' shall mean approved in writing by the Superintendent. 

1.3 Scope of Works 

Works under this contract comprise of the supply of all labour, materials and plant 

for full section or shoulder ballast cleaning and the associated drainage and track 

restoration works. 

It includes (but is not limited by) the following items that are required to be carried 

out in accordance with the Contract. 

• Project management and supervision; 

• Notification to the general public and Authorities prior to commencement and 

during site works; 

• Carrying out the Service Identification for all services and equipment within 

the nominated work scope area and relocation as necessary; 

• Conducting ballast depth investigations at nominated intervals and sites over 

the length of the site proposed for ballast cleaning; 

• Setting out of the works including carrying out a survey of existing grade and 

design of new grades to suit track design standards; 

• Design required for drainage lines between and beside tracks to ensure 

water is directed away from track formation; 







• Earthworks associated with providing and cleaning out established drainage 

lines in conjunction with ballast cleaning operations to ensure water runs 

away from track formation; 

• Construction of any temporary access roads for removal of spent ballast to 

stockpile or disposal; 

• Extension of embankments to dispose of spent ballast; 

• Full section or shoulder ballast cleaning, grading of excavated ballast and the 

return of suitable ballast back to the track; 

• Removal of contaminated ballast and spoil off site; 

• In-face resurfacing, regulating and compaction; 

• Removal and restoration of signalling equipment; 

• Cross boring and replacement of sleepers as necessary; 

• Provision of rail traffic protection and control during ballast cleaning 

operations; 

• Environmental, Safety and Traffic management of all maintenance and 

construction activities; 

• Excavation and reestablishment of unsealed private level crossings or public 

level crossings as directed by the Superintendent. 

1.4 Responsibilities 

The Contractor shall be responsible for carrying out full section and shoulder ballast 

cleaning, associated earthworks, nominated signalling works, drainage and track 

restoration in accordance with this Specification, the Contractor's Project Quality 

Plan, and all associated contract documents. 

1.5 Certification 

All materials and manufactured components supplied to the work shall be 

accompanied by a certificate from the supplier stating compliance with this 

Specification and the nominated ARTC Standards. 

1.6 Drawings 

The drawings that form part of this contract are listed in Annexure C. 

1.7 Service Identification 

Services shall include all signalling and track-side monitoring equipment. 

All areas to be ballast cleaned (either full section or shoulder) to be subject to a 

complete services search. The search to include all services associated with rail 

corridor and infrastructure including (coaxial cable, fibre optic, CTC, signalling, 

communications and external services (including but not limited to) power, gas, 

communications, water and sewer and track-side monitoring equipment). All 

services shall be identified on a plan provided by the Contractor indicating depth and 

location. 







All services to be clearly marked on site and appropriate protection measures taken 

in accordance with section 10. 

1.8 Co-Ordination with Service Authorities 

The Contractor shall liaise with service authorities to manage the priorities of service 

identification and marking on plans where required. The Contractor shall liaise with 

service authorities to ensure project milestones are deliverable with respect to 

adequately identifying, marking and relocating services. 

1.9 Service relocations 

The Contractor shall be responsible for carrying out the relocation and/or reinstallation 

of all services affected by the works in accordance with the design 

drawings, relevant standards, the Contractor's Project Quality Plan and all 

associated contract documents. 

1.10 Interpretation of Railway Construction and Maintenance Terms 

In addition to the definitions listed in the preliminaries the following words appearing 

in the Specification will have the following meanings: 

"Formation Level" The design level of the formation complete with 

capping layer. 

"Rail Level" The design level of both rails of tangent track or the 

low rail of any super-elevated track. 

"Plain Track" Track comprising of rails, sleepers, fastenings and 

ballast. 

"Points and Crossings" Turnouts, diamonds, catch points, single and double 

slips and all other similar types. 

"Track" All track including points and crossings and plain 

track. 

"Rails" All rails including points, crossings, check rails, 

stock rails, junction rails, plain rails, etc. 

"Ballast" As defined in ARTC Technical Standard TPS 04. 

“Resurfacing” Adjusting rails by mechanically compacting ballast 

under sleepers to support sleepers to ensure a 

smooth rail running surface for traffic. 

“Shoulder Ballast” Ballast which extends from sleeper end to profile on 

top of formation level. 

“Shoulder Ballast Cleaning” Excavation of shoulder ballast by mechanical 

means, recycling ballast through a series of screens 

or similar means, recycling of standard size ballast 

back to shoulder profile and distributing unsuitable 

ballast and fines to waste stockpile via dumpers and 

waste wagons. Suitable new ballast is placed in 

sufficient quantity to restore standard ballast profile 

in accordance with ARTC Standard TDS 11. 







“Full Section Ballast Cleaning” Excavation of full ballast profile, from shoulder to 

shoulder, by mechanical means, recycling ballast 

through a series of screens or similar means, 

recycling of standard size ballast back to track 

structure and distributing unsuitable ballast and 

fines to a waste stockpile via dumpers and waste 

wagons. Suitable new ballast is placed in sufficient 

quantity to restore standard ballast profile in track in 

accordance with ARTC Standard TDS 11. 

Contaminated ballast For the purpose of this specification ballast is 

considered to be contaminated when the 

percentage passing a 12.5mm sieve exceeds 30%. 

1.11 Definition of the Site 

For the purpose of this Specification, ‘Site’ means that area of land detailed by 

ARTC. 

1.12 Works Excluded from Contract 

Works excluded from this Contract have been included as Appendix B. 

1.13 Supply and Delivery of Materials 

The Contractor shall supply to site all necessary materials to complete the works. 

All materials for use as part of the Contract shall be in accordance with the relevant 

standards or approved for use by the Superintendent. 

Contractor shall also undertake additional testing at no cost to the Superintendent if 

in the Superintendent’s opinion the Contractor supplied materials do not conform to 

the requirements of this Contract or any other previously approved “non conforming” 

specifications. 

Items to be supplied by the Principal and delivery arrangement and details are 

specified in Appendix A. 

1.14 Hot Weather 

Limitations on working in hot weather contained in TMP 14 shall be complied with 

and the Contractor shall manage the Works Program in accordance with the 

provisions included in the accepted Tender Offer. 

1.15 Construction Under Traffic – Rail 

The Contractor shall at all times during the period of construction take all necessary 

precautions, in accordance with ARTC regulations, to avoid any delay, obstruction 

or stoppage to rail traffic 







2. Quality Assurance 

2.1 Quality System Standard 

The Contractor shall maintain a documented Quality System in accordance with this 

document and with Australian Standard for Quality Systems AS/NZ ISO 9001/2 

The quality system shall cover the whole of the work under this contract 

2.2 Quality Plan 

The Quality Plan shall detail how the Contractor will manage and control the quality 

of the work under the Contract. It shall be based on and consistent with the draft 

tender quality plan. It shall be specific to the work under this contract and for a 

specific package of work. 

The plan is to be submitted to the Superintendent within ten (10) working days of 

award of contract. Works are not to proceed until the Quality Plan is approved by the 

Superintendent. The Superintendent will review the submitted Quality Plan and 

respond to the Contractor with acceptance and/or comments within ten (10) working 

days of submission. 

The Quality Plan shall include:- 

• Management responsibilities specific to the Contract including the 

responsibility and authority for quality; 

• Site management and supervision; 

• Program of works and ballast cleaning rate (metres per possession hour) to 

obtain advantage from available possessions; 

• Organisation proposed for the Contract; 

• Qualifications and competencies including currency of qualification of all 

staff, including sub-contractors proposed to be used on the Contract; 

• Contractor’s method of control of sub-contract work; 

• OH&S management system; 

• Management of Fire Risk; 

• All work processes and equipment for all works including service 

identification and relocation, signalling tasks and Work as Executed drawing 

production; 

• Work method statements for all activites which shall include all requirements 

nominated in clause 1.3 of this specification; 

• All witness and hold points; and 

• Inspection and test plans. 







2.3 Inspection and Tests 

During the course of the work the Contractor shall arrange for all relevant testing 

required by the Project Quality Plan to be carried out by suitably qualified personnel 

approved by the Superintendent. 

Inspection and Test Plans shall be submitted to the Superintendent for approval 

prior to any work commencing. Inspection and test plans shall:- 

• Identify tests/inspections against Contract requirements including all 

referenced ARTC standards; 

• Identify records to be maintained or particular tests and/or inspections; and 

• Detail test equipment to be used for specified tests and/or inspections. 

2.4 Records 

The Contractor shall establish and maintain a system of records that provides 

objective evidence that the requirements of the contract have been satisfied. 

The Contractor shall make all records pertaining to the Contract available to the 

Superintendent at all reasonable times and, where requested by the Superintendent, 

provide the Superintendent with a hard copy of the records. 

At the completion of a package of works the Contractor shall provide to the 

Superintendent a scanned copy of all the records in Tiff or other approved format on 

a CDRom or DVD. 

2.5 Quality Audit and Non-Conformances 

The Contractor shall give the Superintendent access to its or its sub-contractor’s 

premises / working area and to documentation. 

The Contractor shall make or arrange to be available all facilities, documentation, 

records and personnel, including those of sub contractors, that are reasonably 

required for any audits or surveillance to be undertaken by the Superintendent to 

ensure specified requirements are being met. 

All non-conformances shall be promptly reported to the Superintendent via non 

conformance reports. 

2.6 Occupational Health and Safety 

The Contractor shall incorporate into the Quality Plan a system covering the 

management of occupational health and safety in accordance with the relevant 

Statutory Occupational Health and Safety Acts. The system element shall provide 

prompt notification to the Superintendent of any accident or injury occurring at site. 

When requested by the Superintendent, the Contractor shall convene a meeting for 

the purpose of reviewing occupational health and safety matters. 

The Contractor shall provide and maintain an environment that is safe and without 

risks to health and safety for employees and others, in the course of their work and 

entry onto site. 

2.7 Rail Safety Act 

The Contractor shall comply with the requirements of the relevant Rail Safety Act. 







3. Hold Points and Witness Points 

3.1 Hold Points 

A Hold Point is defined as a point in the production and inspection cycle beyond 

which work may not proceed without review by the Superintendent 

The Contractor shall not proceed beyond a Hold Point until the Superintendent or 

his representative has released the Hold Point. 

The Contractor shall make suitable arrangements to notify the relevant person/s 

when a Hold Point will be reached so that they can review and/or witness any work 

process, record or test being undertaken by the Contractor and thus expedite the 

release of that Hold Point. Unless agreed otherwise by the Superintendent the 

Contractor shall notify the nominated parties a minimum of 48 hours prior to the date 

of witness of any Hold Point. 

The Contractor shall define the method of release of Hold Points by the relevant 

parties. 

As a minimum Hold points shall be provided for the following or related activities: 

• Services Identification and Marking; 

• Setting out of works; 

• Stockpiling of materials and equipment. 

The Contractor shall define the method of release of Hold Points by the relevant 

parties in his Quality Plan. 

3.2 Witness Points 

Witness Points shall be specified by the Contractor in the Quality Plan. 

Unless agreed otherwise by the Superintendent the Contractor shall provide the 

Superintendent or his representative a minimum 48 hours notice of all witness points 

so that inspection may be made of the items specified in the Quality Plan. 







4. Standards and References 

4.1 General 

All design, materials, equipment, workmanship and installations shall comply with 

the latest revision of the ARTC Engineering Standards, RIC Engineering Standards, 

and Australian Standards relating to the relevant element or component of the 

Works unless otherwise noted in this Specification or advised at the time of Tender. 

For items of overseas manufacture that are not in accordance with Australian 

Standards, relevant overseas standards shall be subject to consent from the ARTC 

prior to proceeding with design or manufacture of equipment. 

Latest ARTC Engineering Standards available from www.artc.com.au/ 

RIC standards are available from www.railcorp.nsw.gov.au/ (password required) 

Australian Standards are available from http://www.standards.com.au/ 

Other ARTC Specifications that should be read in conjunction with this Specification 

include the following: 

• ETC-08-01 – Earthworks for New Tracks and Formation Widening; 

• ETC-10-01 – Drainage; 

• ETC-02-01 – Partial Timber Resleepering; 

4.2 Applicable Track and Civil ARTC Standards 

The following Track and Civil Standards apply to this Specification and are available 

on the ARTC website at www.artc.com.au . 

Standard ID Standard Title 

BMS01 Engineering works in the vicinity of platforms and structure footings 

RCP01 Earthworks construction procedures 

TCS02 Upgraded Track Standards – Main Line 

TDS11 Standard Classification of Lines 

TEP 27 Control surveys – documentation procedures 

TMP14 Maintenance of Welded Track (Summer Period) 

ETA-04-01 Ballast Specification 

RMP07 Standard Procedure for Embankment Widening 







5. Protection of the Environment 

5.1 General 

Herbicides and other toxic chemicals shall not be used on the site without the prior 

written approval of the Superintendent. 

All work shall be performed in accordance with hours of works defined in consent 

conditions. The Contractor shall notify the superintendent of its intention to obtain 

approval to extend working hours. Any approval received shall be supplied to the 

Superintendent a minimum 7 days prior to commencing work outside hours 

specified in the consent conditions. The Contractor shall not use, during such 

period, any plant, machinery or equipment that, in the opinion of the Superintendent, 

is causing or is likely to cause a nuisance to the public. 

5.2 Disposal of Material 

All unserviceable materials such as life expired sleepers, contaminated ballast and 

other materials removed during the course of the works shall be disposed of as 

specified by the Superintendent. Serviceable material shall be stockpiled as 

directed by the Superintendent. 

5.3 Dust Suppression 

The contractor shall take all measures necessary to comply with EPA Regulations 

and keep airborne dust on site to a minimum. No separate payment will be made for 

the suppression of dust. The Contractor shall effect adequate dust control measures 

and ensure the safety and convenience of the public are not adversely affected. 

If the Contractor fails to achieve dust control, particularly where the safety and 

convenience of the public are affected, the Superintendent may take action 

necessary and deduct the cost of such action from moneys due or becoming due to 

the Contractor. 

The Superintendent may direct the suspension of work where that work creates a 

dust hazard or nuisance to the public, personnel working on the site or property in 

the vacinity of the work. No claim for increased costs due to such suspension will be 

considered. 

5.4 Fire Risk 

The Contractor shall comply with all statutory obligations with respect to the 

management of bushfire hazards. 

The Contractor must comply with any Total Fire Bans imposed by Government 

Authorities. No burning off, hotwork or naked flame of any type is allowed during 

this period except as exempted in the relevant Acts. 

To effectively manage fire risk on site, the Contractor shall prepare work method 

statements as part of his Quality Plan. 







6. Access 

6.1 Access to the Site 

If the Contractor requires access to a part of the Site where no access has been 

provided the Contractor shall supply to the Superintendent any plans for obtaining 

such access and shall not commence work on the access until approval has been 

given. 

The completed formation shall be used as an access road only where approved by 

the Superintendent. Where approved it shall be used in such a manner to afford 

minimum damage to the capping, formation, ditches, shoulders and slopes. All tyre 

ruts shall be removed. All repairs required to restore the capping material or the 

formation to its original condition shall be at the Contractor’s expense. 

Transportation and distribution of materials and construction of track shall be 

suspended if, in the opinion of the Superintendent, the formation is too wet to enable 

work to proceed. 

6.2 Construction Access 

New access roads required to be used in conjunction with ballast cleaning 

operations shall be constructed by the Contractor. No additional payment will be 

made to the Contractor for provision of additional access roads. 

Upon completion of ballast cleaning operations, all pre existing access roads shall 

be restored to a condition satisfactory to the Superintendent. 

Ballast cleaning spoil is not to be placed on access roads unless approved by 

Superintendent. 

6.3 Access along Public Roads 

The Contractor shall notify the Superintendent of its proposals for the use of public 

roads for access and material haulage purposes. 

The Contractor shall comply with all local and statutory authority requirements with 

respect to the use of public roads in gaining access to the Site. The Contractor shall 

comply with the proposed conditions stated in its tender with respect to public road 

usage. No additional payment will be made to the Contractor resulting from its 

failure to make sufficient allowance in its tender for public road usage. 

6.4 Use of Public Roads 

Vehicles or equipment hauling material over public roads shall be fitted with tight 

tailgates. Vehicles, when loaded, shall comply with the requirements of relevant 

Ordinances of the Roads Act, or such lower load limits as set by the relevant 

authority. 

The Contractor shall promptly remove from existing public and ARTC use roadways 

all dirt and other materials that have been deposited by its hauling and other 

operations. 

The Contractor shall take suitable precautions to ensure that no rocks fall onto any 

adjacent roadway, track or railway track in use. Where the precautions are not 







considered satisfactory by the Superintendent, the work is to immediately cease 

until the necessary precautions are taken. 

Construction plant or equipment shall not park on or within the pavement or 

shoulders of any existing trafficked roadway. 

If the Contractor wishes to use public roads surrounding the site for the purpose of 

undertaking the work under the Contract, the Contractor shall obtain approval from 

the relevant authority for the use of these public roads. Any condition for such use is 

a matter between the Contractor and the relevant authority. 

6.5 Use of Structures by Construction Plant 

Unless specified elsewhere, structures, including bridges underpasses and culverts 

have not been designed for use by heavy construction plant. Accordingly, no plant 

or trucks with a Design Loading greater than what is shown on the Drawings for the 

bridges and culverts shall travel on the structures. 

If the Contractor proposes to use any heavy plant on any structure, calculations 

prepared and certified by a practising structural engineer which demonstrate the 

structural adequacy of the structure shall be submitted to the Superintendent for 

approval at least two weeks prior to the proposed use of the structure by the plant. 

These calculations shall be prepared in accordance with the Quality Assurance 

requirements of the Contract and shall be accompanied by details of wheel contact 

locations, areas and weights, path of vehicle, speed and frequency of use. 

6.6 Access Roads through Private Properties 

If the Contractor proposes to use adjacent properties for construction purposes it is 

the Contractor’s responsibility to make those arrangements and obtain agreement 

with each such property owner. However, the Contractor shall notify the 

Superintendent of the proposed arrangements before contacting property owners 

and all communications with property owners shall be vetted by the Superintendent 

prior to contact. The Contractor shall provide written details of each agreement, with 

supporting Drawings, as part of its Quality Plan documentation. Evidence of any 

such agreement shall be submitted to the Superintendent prior to the 

commencement of any work. 

On completion of use, the Contractor shall restore each property in accordance with 

all such agreements. 

The Contractor shall inform the Superintendent of any change to any agreements 

with the private property owner and also inform the Superintendent of any matter, 

which may adversely affect the relationship between ARTC and any private property 

owner. 

No additional payment will be made to the Contractor for provision of access roads 

through any private property. 







7. Survey 

7.1 Setting Out of the Works 

Setting out of the works shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the 

relevant Government Regulations and the design drawings. 

The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining existing survey monuments, 

control lines and recovery pegs. All new pegs and stakes shall remain in place until 

all trackwork is completed to the satisfaction of the Superintendent. 

All ballast cleaning is to be designed for optimal grades and necessary permanent 

survey marks installed to enable resurfacing following ballast cleaning to take place 

and for future resurfacing and maintenance. 

The Contractor’s proposals for the setting out of the works shall be included in the 

Contractor’s Project Quality Plan. 

7.2 Marking Out 

The Contractor shall mark out on site all equipment and services that may be 

affected by the works. Signalling equipment and cables shall be marked with bright 

orange paint. All other equipment shall be suitably marked so as to avoid 

unintended damage. 







8. Full Section Ballast Cleaning 

Full section ballast cleaning is defined in section 1.10. 

8.1 Ballast depth investigation 

To ensure the optimum depth of ballast cleaning and to facilitate the drainage 

design the Contractor shall conduct ballast depth investigations at nominated 

intervals and sites over the ballast cleaning site. 

8.2 Design of and installation of drainage lines 

Prior to commencing ballast cleaning operations at a site the Contractor shall 

assess the existing drainage system and where appropriate design and install a 

suitable drainage system to ensure water is directed away from the track formation. 

As part of the Contract the Contractor shall also undertake all earthworks associated 

with the provision of and cleaning out of established drainage lines in advance of 

ballast cleaning operations to the satisfaction of the Superintendent. 

The Contractor shall specify the process to be followed in designing and installing 

the drainage system in his Quality Plan. 

8.3 Full section ballast cleaning 

The Contractor shall ensure that the final alignment following ballast cleaning 

operations and surfacing operations is in accordance with ARTC Standard TCS02. 

Unless directed otherwise by the Superintendent the Contractor shall undertake 

ballast cleaning operations so that the track structure is excavated to a depth of 

250mm below the underside of the sleeper. Excavation depth can vary depending 

upon depth of fouled ballast and may need to be reduced to match the existing 

drainage system as indicated by the ballast depth investigations. 

Excavation of the ballast shoulder prior to full section ballast cleaning to ensure that 

the existing shoulder ballast does not block drainage from new ballast cleaned track 

shall be undertaken by the Contractor. This excavation is to match in with existing 

drains to ensure water is directed away from track formation into the established 

drainage system. 

All spoiled ballast winrows shall be removed and not covered with clean ballast. 

Contaminated ballast, as defined in section 1.10, shall not be returned to the track 

but shall be transferred to a reject ballast spoil stockpile site or as otherwise directed 

by the Superintendent. 

Trenching where the bucket or cutting chain digs below the formation level or 

adjacent drains causing a “bath tub” effect and resulting in water ponding will be 

permitted. 

Excavating machinery shall install a minimum 1:35 cross fall of the formation when 

carrying out full section ballast cleaning, in accordance with cross sections specified 

in ARTC standard TCS 08. 

Contractor shall ensure that the depth of cut, cross fall direction and rate is recorded 

at 50 metre intervals. 







Timber sleepers that will not hold up to the rail foot during ballast cleaning are to be 

cross bored and re-fastened by the Contractor. Life expired sleepers that cannot be 

cross bored satisfactorily are to be replaced by the Contractor. New timber sleepers 

shall be in accordance with ARTC Standard ETA-02-01. 

The Contractor shall specify the process to be followed during full section ballast 

cleaning in his Quality Plan. 

8.4 In-face surfacing 

New ballast, in accordance with TPS 04, shall be placed in sufficient quantity to 

restore standard ballast profile following surfacing to the standard specified in TDS 

11. 

The Contractor shall supply all track resurfacing machinery, ballast profiling and 

compacting equipment to undertake the in-face surfacing. 

Following surfacing the ballast shall be stabilised using mechanised methods 

approved by the Superintendent. 

At completion of the surfacing and ballast stabilisation, any excess ballast on 

sleepers and around fastenings shall be removed to enable all fastenings, rail, rail 

seat area and sleeper tops to be able to be visually inspected. 

Any full section ballast cleaning to be carried out in the vicinity of platforms, tunnels, 

overbridges or other permanent track side structures to be in accordance with ARTC 

Standard BMS 01. 

Track shall be resurfaced to achieve the geometry standards specified in ARTC 

Standard TCS 02. All necessary pre and post vertical and horizontal alignment 

measurements shall be recorded by the Contractor. 

The Contractor shall specify the process to be followed during in-face surfacing in 

his Quality Plan. 







9. Shoulder Ballast Cleaning 

Shoulder ballast cleaning is defined in section 1.10. 

9.1 Ballast depth investigation 

To ensure the optimum depth of shoulder ballast cleaning and to facilitate the 

drainage design the Contractor shall conduct ballast depth investigations at 

nominated intervals and sites over the length of the proposed shoulder ballast 

cleaning site. 

9.2 Design of and installation of drainage lines 

Prior to commencing shoulder ballast cleaning operations the Contractor shall 

assess the existing drainage system and where appropriate design and install a 

suitable drainage system to ensure water is directed away from the track formation. 

As part of the Contract the Contractor shall also undertake all earthworks associated 

with cleaning out established drainage lines in advance of ballast cleaning 

operations to the satisfaction of the Superintendent. 

The Contractor shall specify the process to be followed in designing and installing 

the drainage system in his Quality Plan. 

9.3 Shoulder ballast cleaning 

Excavation of the shoulder ballast shall be carried out by mechanical means with 

ballast excavated from track graded and recycled through a series of screens or 

similar means. 

Excavation of the ballast shoulder shall be from sleeper end to finish of existing 

ballast profile at top of capping. Excavation depth to be designed to enable water to 

drain from level of track capping into an established drain. 

Trenching where the bucket or cutting chain digs below the formation level or the 

adjacent drains causing a “bath tub” effect and resulting in water ponding at the 

ballast toe will not be permitted. 

All spoiled ballast winrows shall be removed and not covered with clean ballast. 

Contaminated ballast, as defined in section 1.10, shall not be returned to the track 

but shall be transferred to a reject ballast spoil stockpile site or as otherwise directed 

by the Superintendent. 

The Contractor shall specify the process to be followed during shoulder ballast 

cleaning in his Quality Plan. 

9.4 In-face surfacing 

In-face surfacing and ballast compaction following shoulder ballast cleaning shall be 

carried out to prevent centre binding. 

New ballast, in accordance with ETA-04-01, shall be placed in sufficient quantity to 

restore standard ballast profile following surfacing to the standard specified in TDS 

11. 

The Contractor shall supply all track resurfacing machinery, ballast profiling and 

compacting equipment to undertake the in-face surfacing. 







Following the surfacing the track shall be stabilised where specified by the 

Superintendent. 

At completion of the surfacing and ballast stabilisation, any excess ballast on 

sleepers and around fastenings shall be removed to enable all fastenings, rail, rail 

seat area and sleeper tops to be able to be visually inspected. 

Any shoulder ballast cleaning to be carried out in the vicinity of platforms, tunnels, 

overbridges or other permanent track side structures shall be in accordance with 

ARTC Standard BMS 01. 

Track to be resurfaced to achieve the geometry standards specified in ARTC 

Standard TCS 02. All necessary pre and post vertical and horizontal alignment 

measurements shall be recorded by the Contractor. 

The Contractor shall specify the process to be followed during in-face surfacing in 

his Quality Plan. 







10. Signals 

10.1 Signalling Support Staff 

The Contractor shall provide qualified Signalling support staff to undertake the 

following tasks in conjunction with the works under this contract: 

a) Disconnection of Signalling equipment which will be affected by the works; 

b) Completion of the Infrastructure Booking Authority (IBF) ANRF 003 form; 

c) Securing of signalling equipment and protection for the works; 

d) Application of circuit bridging in accordance with the standards; 

e) Protection of Level Crossings in accordance with standards; 

f) Installation of temporary rail bonds in accordance with the standards; 

g) Reinstatement of signalling equipment booked out of use; 

h) Testing and Certifying of equipment after works. 

The actual tasks to be undertaken will be dependent on the scope and nature of the 

works and possession arrangements. The work shall only be undertaken by staff 

that are duly accredited as signal electricians. Details of the proposed signalling 

staff including accreditation, and resume are to be submitted to the Signal Manager 

for the region at least 2 weeks prior to the works activity. 

10.2 Applicable ARTC Signalling Standards 

The following Signalling Standards listed apply to this Specification and are 

available on the ARTC website at www.artc.com.au . 

Table 4.1 Signalling ARTC Standards Applicable 

Standard ID Standard Title 

SMP01 Introduction to Signalling Maintenance Procedures 

SMP08 Booking Signalling Equipment Out of Use 

SMP09 Disconnection of Signalling Equipment 

SMP10 

Testing and Certifying equipment worked on or altered during 

maintenance 

SMP05 Damage to signalling equipment including cables 

SMP26 Re-railing – Precautions to be taken 

SMP15 Location of track side equipment 

SMP21 

Minor signalling works on maintenance areas involving removal or 

altering of Signalling equipment 

SGS01 Glossary of Signalling Terms 

SGS02 Glossary of Terms 







11. Acceptance Criteria 

11.1 Completion of Work 

The Contractor shall complete the ballast cleaning, associated track work, drainage 

work and nominated signalling works in compliance this Specification and the 

nominated ARTC Standards. 

On completion of work, the Contractor shall leave the whole site neat and tidy. All 

cess drains, catch drains and toe drains shall be cleared to the correct section. 

11.2 Handover documentation 

The Contractor shall provide a handover package containing, but not limited to, the 

following data: 

• Request for Information, Non Conformance Reports, Test certificates and 

other forms as nominated in the Contractor’s Project Quality Plan; 

• Records as specified in clause 2.4. 

• Inspection and Test Plans (signed off by the Principal or its’ Representative). 

11.3 Defects Liability Period 

The Contractor shall maintain from defects the ballast cleaning for the period of 12 

months from practical completion date. Items to include, but not limited to: 

• Faults in any materials supplied and installed by the Contractor (excludes 

any Free Issue Material); 

• Any failure of the new embankment construction attributed to poor 

workmanship by the Contractor as determined by the Principal; and 

• As defined in the Conditions of Contract. 







12. Planning and Restrictions 

12.1 General Planning 

Unless specified otherwise, the works shall be undertaken concurrently with 

mainline operations. 

The order and progress of the works shall be planned to eliminate disruption to 

normal mainline operations. If constructed under traffic; 

• the length of the work face shall be minimised so that trains are not unduly 

delayed. The work procedures and the program shall be approved by the 

Superintendent; 

• the track shall be kept safe for the passage of traffic through the work face. 

Track possessions will be provided as specified in contract documents. 

A copy of a typical train graph will be provided for the information of the Contractor if 

requested. 

12.2 Speed Restrictions 

Temporary speed restrictions are to be avoided and should only be applied where 

essential or in an emergency. Where essential speed restrictions may be applied 

over a maximum length of 1 km unless agreed otherwise by the Superintendent. 

Prior to the Superintendent’s agreement to the application of a speed restriction the 

Contractor shall prepare a submission outlining the reasons for the restriction, its 

severity and expected duration. 

12.3 Contract Program 

The Contractor shall submit to the Superintendent for endorsement a works program 

within 28 days of award of tender. 

The accepted Tender Construction Program will be the base Contract Construction 

Program. When endorsed this program shall become the contract program for the 

measurement of work performance and work control. 

Contractor to provide a monthly report of progress against program, including 

applicable production rates per possession hour. 

12.4 Safe-working 

All safeworking to be undertaken in accordance with ARTC regulations. Staff are to 

hold appropriate current competencies to undertake specific tasks for activities and 

certification work performed under the Contract. 

Qualified and experienced safeworkers are to be provided on site. Track supervisor 

holding current track certification and relevant experience to be on site during the 

works to ensure track is safe when returned to traffic sfter possession. 

Contractor is responsible for all safeworking including the operation / travel of any 

rail bound equipment and communication with Train Control. 







12.5 Staff Rail Safety Training 

All staff performing work on site under the Contract shall have Track Safety 

Awareness certification for the respective jurisdiction. 







Appendix A - Schedule of Principal Supplied Items 







Appendix B - Works Excluded from the Contract 







Appendix C - Schedule of Tender Drawings

Full Section and Shoulder Ballast Cleaning - ARTC

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