Inland Rail project marks a major milestone as the Australian Government released the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Parkes to Narromine section, in New South Wales. The authorities launched the public consultation on Parkes – Narromine EIS that will be closed on August 18, 2017. This is the first EIS for the 1700 km rail project linking Melbourne and Brisbane.
“Inland Rail is expected to increase the volumes of grain, cotton, chilled beef and other commodities being moved by rail. It will make it easier to move freight from farms, mines, and ports to NSW, national, and overseas markets,” NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey said.
The project will include extensive upgrades to the rail track between Parkes and Narromine to ensure it meets Inland Rail standards. The Parkes – Narromine section will make use of 106 km of existing track and require 6 km of new rail connection at Parkes. Works are expected to include reconstruction of the existing track, replacement of bridges and culverts, enhanced level crossings and crossing loops.
The 106 kilometre Inland Rail section from Parkes to Narromine will utilise existing track that is already operated by Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) as part of its interstate rail freight network. Work will involve upgrading the track, track formation, and culverts as well as providing three new crossing loops at Goonumbla, Peak Hill, and Timjelly and a new 6km long rail connection to the Broken Hill line to the west of Parkes.
The Australian Government will invest AUD 8.4 billion (USD 6.65 billion) and the total cost for Inland Rail construction is estimated at AUD 10 billion (almost USD 8 billion).
Currently, 12 of the 13 Inland Rail projects have completed the Concept Assessment stage (the first of six stages in the project delivery plan).
Inland Rail will complete the ‘spine’ of the national freight network between Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Early works are estimated to start this year, and based on the 10-year delivery schedule developed in 2015, the first train is expected to operate in 2024-25. The line will enable the use of double-stacked, 1,800m long trains with a 21 tonne axle load at a maximum speed of 115km/h, allowing for the transit of greater freight volumes.
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