The Australian and Victorian governments launched the tender for stages two and three of the the Murray Basin freight rail project. The tender for stages two and three closes in early February 2017.
The AUD 440 million (USD 324 million) project is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments, with both contributing up to AUD 220 million (USD 162 million).
The second stage released to market will standardise the track between Yelta and Maryborough which will increase axle loading and allow heavier trains carrying more product with each trip to market. The Maryborough to Ararat line will also be upgraded and re-opened as part of stage two, providing a key freight connection to the Port of Portland from north west Victoria and interstate.
Stage three of the project will standardise the gauge and increase axle loading on the Manangatang and Sea Lake lines.
Complementary works funded by the Victorian Government include completion of sleeper and rail upgrades on the Hopetoun Line and as part of the tender for Stage two works, standardisation of the Ouyen to Murrayville line.
Stage one of the project, completed earlier this year, upgraded the Mildura line with the installation of sleepers and the replacement of rail.
In April 2016, the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced a AUD 220 million (USD 166.5 million) investment to upgrade 1000 km of freight rail in the Victoria’s Murray Basin.
Murray Basin Rail will deliver important upgrades to Victoria’s rail freight network to meet the increasing demand for freight services.
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