On February 27, a freight train bound for Melbourne left Merbein marking the return of services to the Mildura line, following major track upgrades as part of the AUD 440 million (USD 346 million) Murray Basin Rail Project.
The line was closed for seven months due to modernisation works and track conversion from broad gauge to standard gauge.
The Wakefield Transport Group container train will travel to the Port of Melbourne via the recently reopened Maryborough to Ararat line, which has also been upgraded through the Murray Basin Rail Project.
“The Murray Basin Rail Project is reconnecting Victoria’s north west with our major ports in Portland, Geelong and Melbourne and providing long lasting support to Victorian farmers and businesses. The Mildura line is one of our busiest rail freight links, playing a key role in transporting the Murray Basin region’s grain, mineral sands, fruit, vegetables and wine to our ports and to the world,” Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said.
Reopening the Mildura line reconnects primary producers and freight operators in Victoria’s north west with the state’s major ports. As well as standardising the line, works have increased axle loading from 19 tonnes to 21 tonnes, which will allow trains to carry additional freight.
The next stage of the Murray Basin Rail project will upgrade the Sea Lake and Manangatang lines.
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