83km of upgraded Inland Rail track between Moree and Narrabri has been reopened by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), with works completed in time to support the movement of grain to Australian export ports. Trains are now running on this section of track for the first time in seven months.
ARTC Inland Rail carried out works to construct new embankments, bridges and drainage culverts, replaced existing sleepers with concrete sleepers and laid new ballast and steel tracks.
Bulk earthworks to rebuild the track foundation were also completed to boost the flood immunity of the rail line, which proved resilient during recent inclement weather in the region.
In addition, safety has been enhanced at 57 level crossings along the alignment to achieve compliance with current Australian and ARTC standards.
A further ten level crossings have been upgraded from passive to active controls – meaning they now have boom barriers, bells and flashing lights.
All crossings now have bigger and brighter signage, upgraded road approaches and new rubber crossing panels, which reduce the time it takes for a vehicle to traverse the level crossing.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said Australia’s supply chains rely on a safe, reliable and efficient transport network to move approximately four billion tonnes of goods across the country each year.
“The opening of the upgraded Inland Rail track between Moree and Narrabri marks a major milestone in delivering a more efficient and connected national freight network,” Ms King said.
“Farmers in North West New South Wales gearing up for another busy harvest year will benefit from 83km of new track on the Narrabri to North Star section of Inland Rail which will support the movement of grain to export ports on Australia’s east coast.”
Inland Rail Narrabri to North Star (N2NS) Project Director, Peter Borrelli, said the ARTC Inland Rail has worked very hard to have the line complete in time for the commencement of grain harvest season, and to ensure minimal interference with farming operations.
“Inland Rail’s construction between Narrabri and North Star has seen approximately 281,554 sleepers laid, 4,776 culverts installed, seven new bridge structures built and 168.5km of track installed,” Mr Borrelli said.
“This national infrastructure project has supported work for more than 1,930 people including 623 local residents.
“Local businesses are also benefiting from the more than $196 million spent on supplies and services supporting the build – including some 12 Indigenous businesses across Australia who have shared in $15.2 million invested to deliver Inland Rail in central west New South Wales.”
“Inland Rail means more money is being spent with local businesses at the same time as building an asset that will benefit the region for generations.
“This project is supporting jobs, creating opportunities and enhancing connectivity in the region for years to come. With approvals expected for other Inland Rail projects in New South Wales in early 2023, similar supply chain benefits and local economic uplifts are expected right across the Central West.”
With the line between Narrabri and Moree now open, activity on the Narrabri to North Star section of Inland Rail will focus on the completion of the final works north of Camurra, which is expected in the coming months.
Feature image: ARTC P2N First Train. Image: ARTC
