The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has confirmed the line upgrade between Narrabri and Turrawan has been completed, and with not a moment to spare.
With this year’s New South Wales grain harvest projected to be one of the largest ever for farmers in the state’s north-west, the new line will play a crucial role in transporting harvested crops around the region.
The upgrades mean the line can support heavier train loads which will allow each train to carry more freight – up to 25 tonnes per axle – while enabling them to travel at up to 80 kilometres per hour along the corridor.
The 35-kilometre project involved the replacement of steel and timber sleepers with heavy-duty concrete, upgrading existing rail and associated civil works.
It also aligns with the future interface of Inland Rail at Narrabri North, which will further establish the region as a key freight up across New South Wales.
“The completion of the Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade is a significant boost for the NSW north-west communities and the broader economy,” ARTC CEO and Managing Direction Wayne Johnson says.
“This improves the efficiency of logistics for agricultural producers and freight movers, helping them and the communities where they operate to be more sustainable.”
The government-funded project cost $44.7 million to complete.
“These improvements not only strengthen the rail network but also boost economic growth by facilitating the transport of grain and other freight,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King says.
“This means more grain and goods can be transported in a single trip, providing smoother connection and reducing transport costs.”
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