The Need for Inclusive Transport

The Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program launched by the New South Wales (NSW) Government, seeks to address these challenges by making public transport safer, more modern, and accessible. Since its inception, the state government has invested over $2.2 billion with SAT delivering over 520 station upgrades to ensure public transport is accessible to all.

SMEC has been entrusted with several critical projects under SAT, including upgrades at Doonside and Towradgi stations and more recently, the Moss Vale Station upgrade. Looking at infrastructure differently, SMEC is committed to create a collective legacy and better outcomes for the future, incorporating accessibility, heritage, and sustainability into our solutions.

The Moss Vale Station project is aimed at improving accessibility while maintaining the station’s heritage value. This project exemplifies SAT’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that benefits local communities and ensures equal access to public transport.

Balancing Heritage with Modern Accessibility

One of the primary challenges of the Moss Vale Station upgrade is conserving its rich heritage, deeply embedded in the fabric of the Moss Vale township.  The station opened on 2 December 1867 and was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. Featuring rare early buildings, vice-regal structures, and unique architecture, Moss Vale is a historically significant station serving as a focal point for the local town and highlighting the importance of past rail travel.

Drawing on our engineering expertise and respect for heritage-listed sites, our team thoughtfully balanced modern solutions with historical conservation. The design process required a nuanced approach, integrating modern functionalities serving the purpose of SAT, while ensuring that upgrades respected the site’s historical significance and aligned with the character of the surrounding area.

Turning Design into Inclusive Solutions

In March 2023, Degnan Construction was appointed as the contractor for the project, with SMEC leading the Detailed Design. Transport for NSW’s SAT objectives set out a number of requirements that formed the scope for this project. Under the Design and Construct framework, Degnan, SMEC and subconsultants set about achieving the project’s business requirements whilst forming the outputs in sympathetic fashions that paid homage to the rich heritage of the station and surrounding fabric of the township.

Key enhancements include upgrades to the footbridges, installation of new lifts, reconfigured entrances and improvements to the station’s precincts and facilities. This includes services rooms, the Station Master’s office, ticketing and waiting areas, and enhanced accessibility of refreshment facilities.

The stabling yard will also undergo extensive upgrades to improve worker facilities, access, and security along with expanded capacity to stable six new regional fleet sets. A temporary yard, upgraded as part of the transition, will support operations within the Moss Vale railway yard.

In line with Transport for NSW’s fleet improvements, new trains will feature ped with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems to better manage carbon emissions. Within the station precinct, a purpose-designed and built compound will house a mobile training simulator, that will be used to provide train crews initial and ongoing training requirements for the new train fleet.

These improvements embody SAT’s overarching vision of creating seamless connections across the transport network, making it easier for commuters to switch between different modes of transport.

After 18 months of designing, the project has entered the construction phase, setting the stage for significant accessibility improvements.

Building Momentum for Sustainable Transport and Community Growth

Once completed, the Moss Vale Station will offer a more accessible and efficient transit experience, contributing to enhanced public transport infrastructure in the region. By encouraging a shift from private vehicle usage to public transportation, the project also promotes sustainable travel. Planned traffic and pedestrian enhancements along Argyle Street, Lackey Road and Dalys Way aim to alleviate congestion, improve road safety, and optimise traffic flow, benefiting both commuters and the broader community.