The Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance (MBIRA) has welcomed the news of the construction of two new rail bridges along the Inland Rail route.
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Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester MP visited Parkes last Thursday to announce the $1.3 million project, funded by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), which will see two timber bridges at Tomingley West and Narwonah replaced with concrete culvert structures to future proof the line for longer, heavier and more efficient trains.
Minister Chester said in addition to improving part of the existing rail line that connects the national interstate rail networks the new bridges will also form part of the future Inland Rail route when it is constructed.
“Inland Rail will provide a rail freight connection between Melbourne and Brisbane connecting regional Australia with global markets,” he said.
“One Inland rail train will support the movement of thousands of tonnes of freight in a single trip, equivalent to 110 B-double trucks off the road.”
MBIRA Chair, Cr Ken Keith OAM thanked the ARTC for this investment into the Inland Rail project.
“The Inland Rail will complete the spine of the national freight rail network, providing a road competitive service,” Cr Keith said.
“It will see freight delivered from Melbourne to Brisbane, via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, in less than 24 hours with reliability, pricing and availability that is equal to or better than road.
“The new rail bridges, which are to be designed and built to higher specifications, will handle the potential future demands of freight services across the eastern states of Australia.
“These upgrades take us another step closer to realising the iconic Inland Rail Project, which will create up to 16,000 jobs during construction and an additional 600 jobs per year once operational.
“We applaud the Government for this investment and look forward to future commitments to advance this project, which is so important to our nation.
“I encourage all regional Council's along the Inland Rail route to join us in lobbying the Federal Government, to ensure this project comes into fruition.
For more information about the Inland Rail project, visit www.inlandrail.com.au