The High Speed Rail Authority (HRSA) has begun geotechnical investigations to determine the locations for the high-speed rail network that will connect cities and regional communities across the east coast.
Nearly thirty boreholes are being drilled in New South Wales to support the business case being developed for the first stage linking Sydney and Newcastle.
Sydney and Newcastle are the two largest cities in New South Wales, and the first stage will create a fast, reliable and regular link across this corridor.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, said, “High-speed rail means generations of new opportunities for regional Australia, creating more jobs in more locations and giving people greater choices in where they live, work, study and play.
“It is a nation-shaping investment to support a growing population, which will better link workers with opportunities while delivering a sustainable low emissions form of transport.
“High-speed rail will help shape Australia for decades to come.”
Work has started on drilling 27 boreholes in key areas between Newcastle and Sydney to better understand geological conditions along the route. The information from this work will help in:
- Determining the proposed depths of new rail tunnels
- Assessing geological and geotechnical conditions to cross the Hawkesbury River
- Understanding the geological complexities of traversing the escarpment into the Central Coast and on to Newcastle
The Federal Government has committed $500 million for the planning and corridor protection of the Sydney to Newcastle section and established the HSRA to conduct the work.
High Speed Rail Authority CEO Tim Parker, said, “Journeys will be quick, convenient and comfortable.
“Right now, we’re working on how to build a new railway in complex areas and the engineering challenges we would face.”
The business case for the Newcastle to Sydney stage is due to be delivered to the Federal Government by the end of this year.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, said, “High-speed rail will transform our region.
“High-speed rail represents the next chapter in the economic story of Newcastle and the Hunter, with the route opening a host of housing, employment and business opportunities for the region.
“We know that the Sydney to Newcastle rail corridor is the busiest intercity rail line in Australia, with over 14.9 million passengers annually.”
More information can be found at www.hsra.gov.au.
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