THE Australian Rail Track Corporation is pressing ahead on two important rail projects in Sydney, including the $400-million Port Botany Rail Line Duplication project.

ARTC said the projects, which also include the Cabramatta Loop Project, would improve port access and improve freight supply chains across New South Wales.  

The Australian government is fully funding ARTC to deliver both projects. ARTC said they would help meet future demand where the freight task is predicted to increase by 77% by 2036.

The Port Botany Rail Line Duplication project includes duplicating the remaining 2.9-kilometre section of single-line track into the port, track alignment and upgrade. It will also include new crossovers and the construction of new rail bridges at Mill Stream, Southern Cross Drive, O’Riordan Street and Robey Street.

And, the Cabramatta Loop Project includes a new 1.65-kilometre section of track; a realignment of 550 metres of existing track; construction of new rail bridges over Sussex Street and Cabramatta Creek; and road and utility works to reconfigure Broomfield Street in Cabramatta.

Both projects are preparing for major bridge construction works in the coming months, with piling work currently underway to create the foundations for the new bridge structures.

Other current works include utility works, signalling adjustments and installation of cable routes inside the rail corridor, as well as stormwater and road works alongside the rail corridor at Cabramatta.

ARTC chief executive officer Mark Campbell said the Cabramatta Loop will allow freight trains up to 1300 metres in length travelling in either direction on the Southern Sydney Freight Line to pass each other.

“Not only will this increase freight capacity, it will also encourage more freight movements to be made by rail – helping to shift freight away from road transport and reduce truck movements and associated traffic congestion,” he said.

“This will further bolster the economy, with more than 620 people employed by the two major contractors and their subcontractors at the peak of construction. Each extra freight train travelling on the Port Botany Rail Line will take up to 54 trucks off Sydney’s roads and that will be well received by local road users.”