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The coal lines in the Hunter Valley have received another boost with the opening of a new passing loop at Bylong between Gulgong and Denman NSW by Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).
Construction of the new passing loop was brought forward thanks to joint funding between ARTC and the Australian Government as part of its $1.2 billion Nation Building package injected in December 2008.
ARTC CEO David Marchant explained that the new 2km passing loop is another stepping stone in enabling significant growth from the Hunter Valley region through an increase in train length.
“The adoption of longer trains reduces above rail operating costs, and enables more coal to be transported in a more cost effective manner with fewer trains.”
“This new $11 million passing loop at Bylong will see an increase capacity in one of the most important coal lines on the east coast.”
Mr Marchant explained that the project 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. Although Australia and the world is experiencing difficult economic times, infrastructure investment must continue. The new Bylong passing loop is part of the investment by ARTC to stay ahead of future demand,” Mr Marchant said.
ARTC partnered with TEJV and Ansaldo to construct the new passing loop and introduce new signalling.