ARTC applauds Torrens Junction announcement

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has welcomed news today that the Australian and South Australian Governments will soon call for expressions of interest to deliver the Torrens Junction upgrade.

The project will deliver further productivity to South Australia’s freight network and will be key to improving freight efficiency and safety through Adelaide, ARTC CEO John Fullerton said.

“Currently freight trains give way to passenger services at this railway junction, holding up valuable freight and likewise there can be freight impacts on passenger trains and disruption at level crossings,” Mr Fullerton said.

This project will allow 1800m trains to go from Adelaide to Melbourne without blocking Torrens Road as they wait to cross Torrens railway junction.

“By separating the freight and passenger lines, it will allow a clear passage for both freight and passenger train movements, and give a further boost to rail’s already outstanding freight efficiency.

“While only a limited number of 1800m trains can run from Melbourne to Adelaide at the moment, the upgrade will allow these higher productivity trains to run in both directions,” said Mr Fullerton.

ARTC currently has complementary works funded by the Australian Government underway extending crossing loops at five locations between Adelaide and Melbourne to cater for longer trains.

“These projects mean a more productive supply chain and a more cost effective way for South Australian companies to send freight to domestic markets interstate as well as to export,” said Mr Fullerton.

An ACIL Allen study commissioned by the Australia Logistics Council has found that just a one per cent improvement in the efficiency of the logistics sector generates $2 billion of gains to the economy each year (in GDP).

“We applaud progress on this vital project,” Mr Fullerton said.

ENDS

Media Contact: Bas Bolyn, 0477 340 658

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