Work begins on the Hunter Valley rail network

Thursday, 7 May 2009

Work is underway on a series of improvements to the NSW Hunter Valley rail network, as part of a $1.2 billion injection into the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) by the Australian Government.

The funding, part of the Government’s Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan, will significantly enhance the capacity of the NSW rail network.

Work on Ulan Line Passing Loops and Duplication Project includes the construction of new passing loops at Bylong, Warondi, Aerosol Valley and Radio Hut.

The Ulan Line extends approximately 170 kilometres between Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter and Gulgong, west of the Dividing Range.
This $57 million project will substantially enhance capacity on this section of the Hunter Valley rail network, and is expected to generate up to 650 jobs at the peak of its construction phase.

The Bylong loop has now been completed, and was opened to rail traffic on 22 April 2009. The entire program of works is expected to be fully operational in 2012.

Work has also begun on the St Heliers to Muswellbrook Duplication Project, extending the existing double track, installing new signalling, and replacing three bridges.

This project will also create significant additional rail capacity in this critical section of the coal chain, by increasing the available daily freight train paths from 21 to 96 between Antiene and Muswellbrook. This project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

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