Sydney-Melbourne line rehabilitation work fast-tracked

The majority of the work is now expected to be completed within 18 months.

Unsurprisingly, minister for infrastructure Anthony Albanese said the added urgency of completing the program had been brought about by the adverse impact the change in weather since mid-2010 has had on the line, with the region now experiencing well-above average rainfall after almost a decade of drought.

“Ensuring the safety and reliability of the network is essential to making rail a competitive alternative for the transportation of freight—and for that reason the Government supports the action now being taken by the Australian Rail Track Corporation,” Albanese said.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is currently undertaking an investigation in to the safety of operations on the North South line between Sydney and Melbourne.

ARTC chief executive John Fullerton said the work to be undertaken would upgrade the ballast which supports the sleepers and provides drainage, with the funding coming from the re-scoping of the existing North Coast Curve Easing Program, savings realised on some recently completed upgrades and the ARTC itself.

“The accelerated program of work will mean our customers will benefit sooner from the substantial investment we've made in the corridor from Brisbane and Melbourne, all part of our mission to build a safe, reliable and modern freight rail service,” said Mr Fullerton.”

“Whilst the North Coast Curve Easing Program is important and will continue, the immediate priority is to bring the remaining sections of the Sydney to Melbourne line up to a standard consistent with the rest of the interstate rail network.”