A rail upgrade completed in northern New South Wales will ensure grain trains can carry more in a single trip
An upgrade to 35 kilometres of tracks on the Narrabri to Turrawan Line in north-west New South Wales has come just before what is anticipated to be one of the largest grain harvests in some time for farmers in the region.
The upgrade of tracks between the Hunter Valley and Narrabri North is expected to improve freight efficiency and connectivity in both the region and ultimately to ports in Newcastle and Sydney.
Heavier train loads will now be supported, allowing each train to carry more freight, up to 25 tonnes per axle, and to travel at speeds of up to 80km/h along the corridor.
“These improvements not only strengthen the rail network but also boost economic growth by facilitating the transport of grain and other freight,” infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government minister Catherine King says.
“This means more grain and goods can be transported in a single trip, providing a smoother connection and reducing transportation costs.”
The 35km project involved the replacement of outdated steel and timber sleepers with heavy-duty concrete sleepers, upgrading existing rail and associated civil works.