The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is pressing ahead with work on two transformational rail projects in Sydney that will deliver better access to global export markets via Port Botany, improve freight supply chains across New South Wales and help ease local road congestion.
The Australian Government is fully funding ARTC to deliver the $400 million Port Botany Rail Line Duplication and Cabramatta Loop projects, which will improve port access for farmers by eliminating a current transport constraint.
The two projects will help meet future demand where the freight task is predicted to increase by 77 per cent by 2036.
The Botany Rail Duplication includes the following key features:
- Duplicating the remaining 2.9km section of single line track into Port Botany, track realignment and upgrade
- New crossovers to allow trains options to move between tracks
- Construction of new rail bridges at Mill Stream, Southern Cross Drive, O'Riordan Street and Robey Street.
The Cabramatta Loop includes:
- A new 1.65km section of track
- A realignment of 550 metres of existing track
- Construction of new rail bridges over Sussex Street and Cabramatta Creek
- Road and utility works to reconfigure Broomfield Street in Cabramatta.
Both projects are preparing for major bridge construction works in the coming months, with piling work currently underway to create the foundations for the new bridge structures. Other current works include utility works, signalling adjustments and installation of cable routes inside the rail corridor, as well as stormwater and road works alongside the rail corridor at Cabramatta.
John Holland is the contractor delivering the design and construction of the Botany Rail Duplication, while Fulton Hogan is the contractor for the design and construction of the Cabramatta Loop.
ARTC Chief Executive Officer Mark Campbell said:
"The Botany Rail Duplication will duplicate the remaining 2.9km section of single line track between Mascot and Botany, while the 1.65km Cabramatta Loop will allow freight trains up to 1300-metres in length travelling in either direction on the Southern Sydney Freight Line to pass each other.
"Not only will this increase freight capacity, it will also encourage more freight movements to be made by rail - helping to shift freight away from road transport and reduce truck movements and associated traffic congestion.
"This will further bolster the economy, with more than 620 people employed by the two major contractors and their subcontractors at the peak of construction.
"Each extra freight train travelling on the Port Botany Rail Line will take up to 54 trucks off Sydney's roads and that will be well received by local road users."
