Major construction of the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 (N2NS P1) section of Inland Rail is set to be complete at the end of October.
The section between Camurra and North Star is on track to return to service at the end of the month, allowing trains to service grain silos at Milguy, Croppa Creek, and North Star after two and a half years.
The milestone signals the completion of major construction on the N2NS P1 project, which includes upgrades to 176km of track along the existing corridor from Narrabri to North Star.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) contractor Trans4m Rail is now undertaking finishing and commissioning works along the alignment.
Phase 2 of the project, which involves further upgrades and building 2km of new track north of Moree, is currently in approvals with Inland Rail now preparing a Preferred Infrastructure Report and a Response to Submissions for the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
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The N2NS P1 works aims to improve efficiency and reliability on the main line, as well as boosting resilience to extreme weather events.
Five crossing loops, seven bridge upgrades, and improved safety at 57 level crossings have all been included in the design to improve safety and service reliability on the network.
ARTC has partnered with Telstra to deliver a $3.4 million project to deliver improved connectivity for trains using the line and to enhance mobile telecommunications for local communities.
Once Phase 2 is completed, the upgraded track between Narrabri and North Star will allow freight customers to transport heavier freight volumes at higher speeds through its access to the ARTC Hunter Valley Rail Network, boosting their productivity and efficiency.
Inland Rail project director Narrabri to North Star Peter Borrelli thanked customers for their patience during the project.
“We are thrilled to be able to return the line to service on schedule, despite significant challenges faced during construction including flooding, mouse plagues, and the pandemic,” Borrelli said.
“We are very proud to complete major construction on the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 section of Inland Rail. Together with our delivery partner Trans4m Rail, we have achieved a fantastic result which will bring benefits to local industry, rail operators and communities.
“Narrabri to North Star will be the second section of Inland Rail to complete major construction, following the commissioning of the Parkes to Narromine line in September 2020.”