The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has invited the local community to have their say on a proposed upgrade to 35 kilometres of track between Narrabri and Turrawan, NSW.
The ARTC has worked with engineers and planning authorities to progress the designs, following a $44.7 million commitment from the Federal Government.
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) go on public exhibition from 5 April 2022 to identify, assess and mitigate the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed works.
ARTC Group Executive Major Construction Projects Mike Zambelli said the line upgrade would enhance the quality and capability of the connection between the Hunter Valley Network south of Turrawan and Inland Rail north of Narrabri.
“Upgrading this 35 kilometres of track ultimately means we will be providing a consistent service offering between Northern New South Wales, Inland Rail and through to the Port of Newcastle,” Zambelli said.
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“We are completing the missing link between the Hunter Valley Network and Inland Rail which will allow an increase in the grain, cotton and freight volumes carried by rail.
“As part of these works, we will be replacing existing steel and timber sleepers with heavy duty concrete sleepers and replacing the existing rail with upgraded rail.
“We invite the community to come forward and have their say while the REF is on exhibition. Following this, we will prepare a Submissions Report which considers the comments that have been submitted,” Zambelli said.
The REF for the Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade will be on exhibition at the Narrabri Shire Council Administration Building and Narrabri Library between 5 April 2022 and 26 April 2022.
Feedback can be provided via phone, email or mail.
Subject to approvals, the project construction is expected to start in mid-2022 and be completed by mid-2023.