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ARTC strikes deal with Leighton on rail freight project

ARTC strikes deal with Leighton Contractors on the final stage of the Southern Sydney Freight Line upgrade

August 1, 2011

The Australian Rail Track Corporation has struck a deal with Leighton Contractors to deliver the final stage of the Southern Sydney Freight Line upgrade worth $150 million.

Under the contract, Leighton will complete the construction of a 36km dedicated freight line between Macarthur and Sefton in southern Sydney.

Once complete, the rail line will provide a freight-specific corridor, allowing passenger and freight services to operate independently.

ARTC CEO John Fullerton says the project will improve services to freight rail customers by removing the current peak hour curfew.

“It will also allow more freight trains to operate between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, providing positive outcomes for the economy, the environment and road safety,” Fullerton says.

“Each freight train means 100 less trucks on our interstate routes and, with rail consuming far less fuel than road transport, the project will be helping to reduce carbon emissions.”

Construction is expected to start in October, with the ARTC saying the project will be completed late next year.

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