During a planned shutdown of the Adelaide Metro rail network, JVJ Civil & Asphalt removed and reinstated 600 m² of asphalt along the Largs North platform for Keolis Downer. Working to a night–day–night schedule from Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November, the team hand‑placed 70 tonnes of AC7 hot mix to return the platform to service on time. Restricted access within the rail corridor required hi‑rail delivery, compact excavators, and meticulous handwork to meet platform falls, levels, and durability requirements for heavy pedestrian use.
Access to the platform was restricted to the rail corridor, so all materials and plant had to be delivered via hi‑rail. The shutdown window allowed only three shifts to complete demolition, base preparation, placement, and compaction. Conventional paving gear could not be used on the platform, which meant the surface had to be set out, raked, and finished by hand while meeting platform fall tolerances. The team needed to keep crews moving continuously, protect commuter reopening times, and deliver a durable, even finish in a high‑pressure environment.
JVJ mobilised skilled handwork crews and staged consecutive shifts across the shutdown. Existing asphalt was removed using compact excavators with hi‑rail support. The base was trimmed to correct levels and compacted to specification, aligning with platform fall requirements. Over the weekend, 70 tonnes of AC7 hot mix was delivered and placed entirely by hand. Vibrating plate compactors and small rollers achieved uniform compaction where a mechanical paver was not feasible. Tight sequencing, clear communication, and rail‑safe operations kept materials flowing and ensured each bay was completed to quality before moving to the next.
The platform reopened on schedule with a smooth, durable surface that meets pedestrian and operational requirements. Despite constrained access and the physical demands of manual placement, quality targets for level, falls, and compaction were achieved across the full 600 m². The shutdown was delivered safely with no rework, demonstrating JVJ’s ability to hand‑place high volumes to specification in complex access environments. The successful outcome strengthened JVJ’s relationship with Keolis Downer and added to a proven record of reliable delivery across the Adelaide Metro rail network.
