31/05/2023
Train Update
31st May 2023
Full steam ahead โ Recovery of the Historic Cockle Train is right on track
The recovery of the beloved Cockle Train is well underway following its derailment outside of Victor Harbour on Sunday 21st May 2023.
Keolis Downer Adelaide (KDA), proud operators of Adelaide Metro Train Services, generously donated their time and resources to assist the SteamRanger Heritage Railway in returning the historic railcar back to its rails, and in remediating track damages caused from the incident.
Rectification work will include the installation of concrete sleepers across 250 metres of track, and construction of retaining walls to reduce degeneration and increase the life span of one of Australiaโs oldest railway lines. KDAโs Track and Civil Team aim to rectify the damages with minimal impact to the local community, and with a prompt resumption of the cherished service.
The Cockle Train will remain on a truncated service between Goolwa and Port Elliot until the end of June, while track repairs and pre-arranged infrastructure works are undertaken in conjunction with the City of Victor Harbour.
Operations Manager, Peter Michalak said โWe wholeheartedly thank Keolis Downer Adelaide, for sharing their capability and kind assistance in returning the much-loved Cockle Train to its rails. I was blown away by the thoughtful phone call I received from their Head of Track and Civil offering to help.โ
Managing Director of Keolis Downer Adelaide, Robert Tatton-Jones said โThe SteamRanger Heritage Railway and Cockle Train are close to the heart of many South Australians and our visitors, and it is a privilege to get our highly skilled team down South to support the rectification efforts, and most importantly, the local community. This forms part of Keolis Downerโs ongoing commitment to help develop and sustain more liveable cities and regions.โ
Further updates in regard to the resumption of Cockle Train services will be provided via the SteamRanger website, and social media channels.
About SteamRanger:
SteamRanger Heritage Railway is the operating arm of the Australian Railway Historical Society (SA Division) Inc.
It is staffed predominately by a team of dedicated volunteers and operates a range of family- friendly heritage train journeys between Mt Barker and Victor Harbor, including the famous Cockle Train.
About Keolis Downer (KDA):
Keolis Downer Adelaide is the proud operator of the Adelaide Metro Passenger Rail Network.
Our vision is to be the partner of choice for public transport authorities to support the development of more liveable cities and regions. www.keolisdowner.com.au