New passing loop on Hunter Valley rail corridor has been completed to meet a forecast demand for coal
August 19, 2011
A new passing loop on the Hunter Valley rail corridor has been completed to meet a forecast demand for coal.
The loop at Bengalla on the Ulan line connecting Gulgong to the Port of Newcastle, which involved laying almost 2km of new track and 3,350 concrete sleepers, has opened.
Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) CEO John Fullerton says the loop at Bengalla is essential for the network to increase its capacity.
“Over the next five years, demand for coal from the Hunter Valley is set to nearly double. The construction of the new passing loop at Bengalla will increase capacity on the rail network and forms part of ARTC’s strategy to keep capacity ahead of forecast increases in market demand,” he says.
“Put simply, these projects are designed to help get more coal to port more efficiently.”
Fullerton says more work needs to be done on the Hunter Valley rail corridor, including the construction of new passing loops and infrastructure upgrades.