Download the complete article in PDF format.
Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC’s) drive to boost capacity on the Hunter Valley coal lines continues with the extension of a crossing loop at Parkville between Scone and Murrula NSW.
The loop extension represents a $9.22 million investment by ARTC and is another step in increasing capacity on the Hunter Valley coal lines.
The project involved the extension of the existing siding to deliver 1375m ‘standing room’; long enough to cater for 1280m trains. The loop required the laying of new concrete sleepers, signalling, rail and mainline turnouts.
ARTC CEO, David Marchant, said the extension of the Parkville crossing loop is part of the 2007-2012 Hunter Valley Coal Network Capacity Improvement Strategy.
“Demand on Hunter Valley coal is set to increase dramatically by 2012. Crossing loops such as the loop at Parkville are an essential part of ARTC’s strategy to stay ahead of contracted future demand,” Mr Marchant said.
“As Australia continues to recover from global economic instability, it is very important that rail infrastructure in the Hunter Valley continues to support the Australian economy by delivering more coal to port more efficiently.”
The work was undertaken by ARTC’s partners Leighton Contractors, KMH Environmental, Parsons Brinkerhoff, Coffey and Ansaldo STS.