Solethu - Yzervarkensrug Line Extension & Upgrade (Phase 1 : Precast Siding)

Client: Solethu Marine Services (Pty) Ltd

Location: Yzervarkensrug Line, Saldanha Bay, Western Cape

Duration: 4 months

Period: 2025

Upgrade of approximately 4.5 km of 48kg/m rail to 60kg/m rail with improved ballast profile, achieving 30TAL capacity.
Construction and re-profiling of formation, including straddle excavator platforms.
Supply and installation of sleepers, ballast, rails, and 60kg turnouts.
Exothermic welding of rail joints.
Tie-ins between new 60kg rail and existing 48kg rail.
Ballasting, tamping, destressing, alignment, and commissioning of the upgraded line.
Ancillary works including clearance markers, geofabrics, signage, stop blocks, and gradient posts.

Execution within a live operational environment under Solethu occupation controls.
Complex stakeholder interfaces with Solethu operations, Transnet servitude, and environmental restrictions.
Delivering to a compressed programme with milestone dates for skeleton track and turnout installation.
Short construction window requiring precise sequencing of works.

Deployment of WOT’s wholly owned on-track plant fleet and experienced track teams ensured reliable productivity.
Integrated rail and civil teams coordinated to manage formation, trackwork, and welding activities.
Close collaboration with Solethu, EPCM engineers, and other stakeholders to manage access, interfaces, and safety compliance.

Delivered within the contracted budget and programme.
Upgraded siding achieved 30TAL capacity, enhancing Solethu’s operational efficiency and throughput.
Reinforced WOT’s ability to manage live operational environments while delivering precision track upgrades.
Strengthened reputation for delivering technically demanding works under compressed schedules.
Further demonstrated WOT’s capacity to execute multiple large projects simultaneously, with the Solethu Siding contract aligning alongside other major works.