Simon’s Town Line Restoration
Apr 7th, 2010 by Johan
SIMON’S TOWN LINE RESTORATION
Posted on 06 April 2010 by Railways Africa Editor
Contrary to a previous report which proved to be incorrect, the possibility of restoring train service south of Fish Hoek to Glencairn is still under consideration. With regard to progress with repairs nearer Simon’s Town, Metrorail’s Riana Scott tells us:
“The consulting engineers have completed the design. Tenders for the construction work are in progress. Approval in principle has been provided to fund the rehabilitation. The work entails repairs to the walls and track formation, concrete sealing/infill of voids under the wall foundation caused by scouring by wave action and the provision of a rock revetment to protect the walls and wall foundation from wave action.
“The critical issue is the importing/rate of importing of the rock for the rock revetment to be placed against the wall. The rock is sourced from Somerset West and due to the weight is best transported by rail due to the road works between Muizenberg and Fish Hoek and anticipated road traffic disruptions at the off-load point. We are negotiating with Transnet Freight Rail for about 10 heavy good vehicles to assist.
“In the interim we are investigating the feasibility of extending the service to Glencairn to shorten the bus trips, no decision has yet been taken though. “The anticipated date for re-opening the rail service is May 2010.”
