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Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has commenced community consultation as part of the planning stage of a Program of Curve Easing works on the North Coast line.
ARTC has engaged its long standing Alliance partner, Transport Express JV, (TEJV) to investigate sites where tight bends or curves can be potentially “eased”.
The curves near Urunga Railway Bridge as well as a curve near Lyons Road Sawtell are currently being investigated. Preliminary site works currently being undertaken include survey, cable location, land access, soil and environmental investigations.
Brought forward as part of the Australian Government’s Productivity Program investment in ARTC the Curve Easing works will further reduce transit times on the North-South rail link between Sydney and Brisbane.
The Curve Easing Program consists of the identification and upgrade of 58 distinct sites between Newcastle and the Queensland border. Other benefits will be; reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, reduction in above and below rail maintenance costs, improved competitiveness of rail freight.
This is not only good news for the economy through the more efficient movement of freight, but also for the local community. With one 1500m train being equal to 100 semi-trailers, we could see fewer big trucks on our North Coast roads.
Information regarding the project can be obtained from TEJV Community Liaison Officer on 1800 072 219.
Issued: 25 February 2011
Media Contact: Brad Emery 0419 297 004