Railway ballast is replaced periodically to maintain the stability and integrity of the track by ensuring proper drainage, distributing the load of trains evenly, and preventing track misalignment, as the ballast can become contaminated, worn down, or compacted over time due to train traffic, weather conditions, and other factors, impacting the track's structural soundness.

Worked a charm, can provide photos of finished gate. Hope I never have to do another one the same, it was a punish.