The ARTC is pouncing on a short timeframe to complete critical rail freight upgrade works in regional NSW
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has announced it will be carrying out crucial freight rail enhancement works between Narrabri and Turrawan in New South Wales throughout August as part of the 35km Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade.
The first works will occur between 6PM on August 4 to 9AM on August 8 and will involve site mobilisation, the delivery of materials, surveying, drainage works, re-sleepering and re-railing the track.
Further enhancements are planned within the existing rail corridor between Narrabri Coal and Turrawan, with works occurring between 6AM and 6PM over two weekends on August 12-13 and August 26-27.
The $44.7m Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade involves the upgrade of 35km of track between the Hunter Valley Coal Network, which will create a connection into the future Inland Rail project.
“There will be works at several locations within the rail corridor at sites including Narrabri Station (Reid Street and Logan Street), Spencer Street, Narrabri and Turrawan Road, Turrawan,” ARTC group executive major construction projects Mike Zambelli says.
“ARTC will replace existing steel and timber sleepers with heavy duty concrete sleepers, replace the existing rail with upgraded rail, replacing ballast and conduct necessary earthworks for the project at various sites. Our work teams always endeavour to minimise any noise and disruptions the works may cause.
“As part of the works, road users may experience longer waits at the Fitzroy St Level Crossing in Narrabri for the duration of the works to allow for the enhancement works to be completed safely and efficiently as possible. We apologise for the inconvenience and as always we appreciate the patience and cooperation of motorists, commuters and customers.”
Zambelli says the ARTC has limited opportunities throughout the year to safely access the track, with the ARTC making the most of short windows to carry out jobs in a planned approach.
“We also ask members of communities close to the rail corridor to be cautious during the shutdown period and keep an eye out for increased vehicle movements in and out of work sites,” Zambelli says.