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The modernisation of the East West rail corridor continues, with the upgrade of the passing loop at Tintinara on the line between Melbourne and Adelaide now completed.
Funded as part of the Gillard Labor Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan, the $5.4 million project involved extending the existing loop by 800 metres to cater for longer trains as well as installing mainline turnouts and new signalling technology.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said in addition to the one near Tintinara, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) received stimulus money to extend and upgrade another six passing loop on the line between Melbourne and Adelaide (see attached map).
“In less than two years the ARTC has completed two of these projects, with work well advanced on four others,” said Mr Albanese.
“As well as supporting jobs and businesses during the global recession, our unprecedented investment in the nation’s rail infrastructure is helping to build a modern, prosperous Australia.
“The Gillard Labor Government is investing more in rail over the next 12 months than our predecessors did during their 12 years in office.”
ARTC CEO David Marchant said the modernisation of the East West corridor was progressing well, with completion of the seven new longer passing loops expected to further cut transit times, expand the line’s capacity and make rail even more competitive.
“The upgrade of the passing loop at Tintinara is another important step forward for ARTC in improving the East West corridor, cutting transit times and increasing line capacity between capital cities,” Mr Marchant said.
“The investment we’re making is also been good news for the wider community. Not only has it create jobs in the short term, it will also allow more freight to be transported by rail – which overtime means fewer trucks on our roads.”
Every 1,500 metre train can carry as much freight as 100 semi-trailers.
The project was delivered by ARTC Service’s Company in partnership with Transfield.