Inland Rail doubles up

TEN OF THE TWELVE Inland Rail enhancement sites on the Beveridge to Albury (B2A) section are now able to accommodate double-stacked trains, as the project makes strong progress on Tranche 2 works.

They include the completed B2A Tranche 1 sites – Barnawartha North, Wangaratta, Glenrowan, Seymour-Avenel Road – and current Tranche 2 projects at Wandong, Broadford’s Hamilton Street and Short Street, Seymour under the Hume Freeway, Euroa and Benalla.

Broadford’s Marchbanks Road bridge and the Tallarook site under the Hume Freeway will be double-stacked ready before the end of the year, to complete double-stacked capability at all 12 work sites.

Communities along the B2A alignment continue to drive the project with locals making up 80% of the 2808 people who have worked on the project, gaining valuable on-the-job experience, rail industry knowledge, and important workforce skills, Inland Rail says.

In addition, the B2A T2 project has spent $181 million with 376 local suppliers.

Local businesses are providing a range of goods and services, including plant and equipment, haulage services, traffic management, environmental services, and accommodation.

Inland Rail says it is committed to leaving a legacy along the alignment, providing training opportunities, developing workforce skills, and boosting supplier capabilities to service future major projects.

“There’s still more work to do on the B2A project but having 10 out of 12 work sites ready for double-stacked operation is a great achievement,” a spokesperson said.

“Local people, with local expertise, are important to help deliver the project and we’re committed to boosting their skills base and the capability of regional suppliers through delivery of this project.

“The Victorian project is on track to be completed in 2027, and we thank all of our local communities for their patience and understanding while these important works are carried out.”