In a major boost to rail freight efficiency between Orange and Dubbo, work on the $12.98 million rail passing loop at Maryvale is now complete.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said following the completion of track work, testing was carried out to ensure safety for trains using the loop.
“Not only will this loop, the rail equivalent of overtaking lanes, help rail freight efficiencies and passenger services by improving journey times, but the project has also supported up to 100 jobs at the peak of construction,” Mr Saunders said.
“With the regional freight task in NSW set to grow by 12 per cent to 286 million tonnes by 2036, it’s important we invest in rail infrastructure now to support that growth.
“This project has created local jobs, stimulated the local economy and will deliver ongoing benefits to our region.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the successful testing of the systems and equipment was the final stage in enabling modern and longer freight trains to pass each other, helping to ease waiting times and reduce congestion.
“The project will reduce congestion on the Main West Line for freight and passenger services and shorten freight journey times by up to an hour between Orange and Dubbo,” Mr Toole said.
“It can take several hours for a loaded freight train to move through long sections of the network, so when the single-track line has multiple users, waiting times can be significant.
“The work, which will now allow for 1800-metre-long modern trains to enter the passing loop, has seen about two kilometres of new track laid, existing drainage improved and culverts extended, along with remotely-operated motorised points and signalling being rolled out.”
Minor finishing working including removal of the site compound is expected to take place until November. The project forms part of the $45.3 million Main West Rail Line Enhancement Program, which has already delivered new train passing loops at Rydal and Georges Plains, and is also delivering new loops at Polona and Pinecliffe.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said following the completion of track work, testing was carried out to ensure safety for trains using the loop.
“Not only will this loop, the rail equivalent of overtaking lanes, help rail freight efficiencies and passenger services by improving journey times, but the project has also supported up to 100 jobs at the peak of construction,” Mr Saunders said.
“With the regional freight task in NSW set to grow by 12 per cent to 286 million tonnes by 2036, it’s important we invest in rail infrastructure now to support that growth.
“This project has created local jobs, stimulated the local economy and will deliver ongoing benefits to our region.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the successful testing of the systems and equipment was the final stage in enabling modern and longer freight trains to pass each other, helping to ease waiting times and reduce congestion.
“The project will reduce congestion on the Main West Line for freight and passenger services and shorten freight journey times by up to an hour between Orange and Dubbo,” Mr Toole said.
“It can take several hours for a loaded freight train to move through long sections of the network, so when the single-track line has multiple users, waiting times can be significant.
“The work, which will now allow for 1800-metre-long modern trains to enter the passing loop, has seen about two kilometres of new track laid, existing drainage improved and culverts extended, along with remotely-operated motorised points and signalling being rolled out.”
Minor finishing working including removal of the site compound is expected to take place until November. The project forms part of the $45.3 million Main West Rail Line Enhancement Program, which has already delivered new train passing loops at Rydal and Georges Plains, and is also delivering new loops at Polona and Pinecliffe.