POPULAR WORDS

August 31, 2009

A $73 million dollar overhaul of the Mildura rail network, expected to reduce travel time by 20 percent, has made Victoria's freight network more efficient, according to the State Government.

The joint state/federal project to replace or upgrade 525km of rail line, adding 60 level crossings, is now complete.

According to Victorian Premier John Brumby, the project was finished on budget and on time and means 70 percent of the State's freight-only rail lines have now been upgraded.

“The $73 million Mildura rail upgrade will shave at least 20 percent off the travel time along this important rail freight route which will mean goods can be transported more quickly to customers,” Brumby says.

“It will improve the reliability of the line, give producers greater incentive to transport goods via rail freight and is part of unprecedented investments our Government is making in Victoria's rail freight network, with more than 70 percent of the network upgraded or being upgraded.”