Victorian Government announced that Maryborough – Ararat standard gauge line has reopened, as part of the second stage of the USD 355 million Murray Basin rail project.
The 87-km Maryborough – Ararat line, which closed in the early 2000s, was set to return as a freight line, boosting local primary producers and exporters.
“The reopening of the Ararat to Maryborough line for driver training is a significant step forward as we get on with the job to help our primary producers get more produce to port,” Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said.
A phased return of freight services to the Mildura line is also underway, with sections of the track progressively opening from south to north.
The Australian Government has committed USD 194 million and the Victorian Government USD 161 million to fund the Murray Basin rail project. Construction started in early 2015 and is due for completion by late 2018.
Murray Basin project involves the upgrade of 1055 km tracks increasing the axle loading from 19 tonnes to 21 tonnes. The project will improve Victoria’s rail freight network providing better connections to north west region.
The McConnell Dowell Martinus Rail joint venture has been appointed to deliver the Murray Basin rail project.
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