Latest Abbot Point rail loop steps up port capacity

Queensland Rail said this morning initial construction of a second rail loop for the Abbot Point coal terminal in Central Queensland had been completed.

The rail loop was part of the Goonyella to Abbot Point expansion project.

QR Network said the works include laying track on the second balloon loop.

“These works will contribute to a short-term increase in capacity at the port up to 25m tonnes and are part of a larger program of works aimed at increasing capacity to as much as 100m tonnes,” QR said.

The rail expansions were designed to keep up-to-date with expansion at Abbot Point.

“When Ports Corporation Queensland completes the second inloader at the port in early 2009, the rail will then be laid through the inloader and it will be open for use,” the state-owned rail provider said.