Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities
Major works are underway on the Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities project in New South Wales to improve efficiency and ease congestion on the key freight and passenger rail route between Sydney and Melbourne.
The $60 million project, including a $41.56 million contribution from the Australian Government, will deliver new overtaking opportunities for trains at Werai, near Moss Vale, and Joppa Junction, near Goulburn. Once complete, the upgraded infrastructure will enable freight trains up to 1,800 metres long to be overtaken by faster services, improving network flexibility, reliability and transit times.
The project is due for completion by early 2027.
Network Investment Program
In 2024, we developed a Network Investment Program in collaboration with our Shareholder, industry and customers, focusing on new capital investments and accelerated asset replacement. The program includes:
- Culvert and track upgrades that will reduce the risk of lengthy network outages due to flooding.
- Track rehabilitation between Sydney and Albury that will reduce transit times through the removal of Temporary Speed Restrictions and improve ride quality.
- Crossing loop extensions and new passing loops that will enable longer (1,800-metre) trains to operate between the east and west coasts of Australia.
- Signalling upgrades between Melbourne and Adelaide to address the most prominent cause of operational delays on one of the country’s busiest rail freight corridors.
- Upgrade of the Portland Line to help facilitate the growth of the critical minerals sector.
Inland Rail
Inland Rail Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary company of ARTC, is the delivery vehicle for the Inland Rail project. Visit the project website.
Recently Completed Projects
Botany Rail Duplication
The Botany Rail Duplication was commissioned in early 2024 following successful duplication of the remaining 2.9km section of single line track between Mascot and Port Botany in NSW.
Following completion of the project, freight is moving more efficiently and there’s now increased capacity on the Botany Line and wider Metropolitan Freight Network. Read more.
Discover the heritage of the Botany Road Underbridge here.
Cabramatta Loop Project
The Cabramatta Loop Project was commissioned in early 2024 following the successful construction of a new 1.65km loop track adjacent to the existing track to allow freight trains to pass and overtake each other.
Following completion of the project, capacity has increased on the Southern Sydney Freight Line to support future growth in rail freight demand. Read more.
Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade
The Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade was completed in November 2024 following the upgrade of 35km of track between ARTC’s Hunter Valley network and the future interface with Inland Rail at Narrabri North.
Following completion of the project, there’s now a consistent rail corridor in the region that allows 25 Tonne Axle Load trains, enabling increased freight volumes. Read more.