The construction of two new rail bridges at Tomingley West and Narwonah, in the Parkes Electorate, that will meet the load specifications required to support Inland Rail, have been welcomed by the Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.
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Mr Coulton said the two new railway bridges were of national significance and work by the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) was to begin next month just south of Narromine. The $1.3 million project will see two timber bridges replaced by reinforced concrete culvert structures designed and built to Inland Rail engineering specifications.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the upgrades were particularly significant as the new structures will meet the Inland Rail ‘standard’ – future proofed for longer, heavier and more efficient trains.
“The Inland Rail project, which will provide a rail freight connection between Melbourne and Brisbane, is connecting regional Australia with global markets. The region will play a major role in the delivery of Inland Rail, with the Central West region of New South Wales set to see $480 million in economic benefits from the nationally significant rail project,” he said.
“One Inland Rail train will support the movement of approximately 2,500 tonnes of freight in a single trip, equivalent to taking 110 B-double trucks off the roads.”
The Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail project involves upgrading the existing 107 kilometres of track.
Overall, the Inland Rail project takes advantage of 1200km of existing rail corridor and will involve the construction of around 600km of new track.
For more information on the Inland Rail project visit www.inlandrail.artc.com.au