Victorian Government announced that works are underway on the second stage of the AUD 440 million (USD 348.6 million) Murray Basin rail project, continuing the upgrade and the conversion of over 1,055 km to standard gauge.
Preliminary works along the line are already underway including vegetation removal and site investigations. Works are also set to begin in Dunolly, delivering major upgrades to the Mildura freight rail line.
Crews will upgrade and standardise the track from Dunolly to Yelta, and Ouyen to Murrayville, as well as reopening the Maryborough to Ararat line. The works will increase train axle loadings from 19 tonnes to 21 tonnes between Dunolly and Yelta, and Maryborough to Ararat to allow freight trains to carry heavier loads.
Federal Transport Minister Darren Chester said the project would provide better rail access between the Murray Basin and Victoria’s major ports at Portland, Geelong and Melbourne.
“Improving the performance of the regional Victorian rail freight network will bolster the state’s agricultural sector, drive economic growth, help create jobs and boost regional communities. The Murray Basin Rail Project will standardise rail gauges and increase maximum freight volumes, allowing higher volumes of goods to be carried more efficiently,” the minister said.
McConnell Dowell, in partnership with Martinus Rail, announced in June the award of the Murray Basin rail project.
The AUD 440 million Murray Basin Freight Rail Project is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments, with both contributing up to AUD 220 million (USD 174 million).
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