V/LINE will review its procedure for managing train line defects after the Australian Transport Safety Bureau finished an investigation into a derailment north of Avoca last year.
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Just after 2pm on February 12, 2014, 10 wagons from a loaded grain train derailed at Emu, in North Central Victoria. There were no injuries.
The ATSB say as a consequence of the derailment, there was damage to about 210 metres of track.
Five wagons overturned resulting in significant damage and a loss of load. The subsequent rolling stock recovery and track repair activities closed the line for five days.
The ATSB investigation found that V/Line had detected a defect known as 'rail creep' within the Emu Loop prior to the crash - a defect which needed to be fixed.
The investigation however found that the works were not carried out in time.
It also found that a required "heat patrol" was required for that part of the track due to the hot 36 degree conditions.
"However, as the train was in possession of an authority through the section, the patrol was not conducted ahead of the train," an ATSB statement said.
V/Line spokesman Colin Tyrus said V/Line's asset management team had completed a review of the management of category two defects
"As a result, V/Line now requires that any identified corrective actions be completed before the summer season," he said.
This is due to be completed by November 2015.
