The project will create a new piece of transport infrastructure in regional Queensland
Rail freight company Aurizon has started work on a multi-million dollar intermodal project that includes construction of a freight distribution centre, a container terminal and three new rail tracks specifically designed for intermodal operations near Townsville.
The project site at Stuart, located 14km south of Townsville, will be connected to the North Coast Rail Corridor, North West Rail Corridor and the Stuart Bypass Road.
Aurizon will also construct a road link and intersection at the Stuart Bypass Road to facilitate traffic flow from major highways into the yard.
Aurizon estimates, once operational, the facility will remove around 100 trucks each day from roads in and around the Townsville central business district.
The $40 million project, part of Aurizon’s existing capital plan, will create a new piece of transport infrastructure in regional Queensland.
“This project will inject millions of dollars into the local economy and provide a range of benefits to our customers and to the local community,” Aurizon MD Lance Hockridge says.
“This strategically-located facility will underpin the growth of our intermodal business over the coming years.
“It will be equipped with the latest innovation and designed to drive efficiencies, lift productivity and deliver improved services for our customers.
“We welcome the support of the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council for the project, and in ensuring the new rail infrastructure integrates with local development planning, which will significantly reduce freight traffic through inner Townsville,” Hockridge says.
The new facility is expected to be complete and fully operational by the end of the year.