Freight Rail

Bailey spruiks $305m in ongoing regional rail projects

Work will soon be complete on the $21 million project to modernise Bundaberg’s rail signalling system and upgrade seven level crossings – part of $305 million in regional rail work going on across Queensland.

Queensland transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey noted on September 15 there was a wide range of rail work driving regional rail jobs across the state.

In addition to the Bundaberg project, there’s the $100 million North Coast line upgrade between Townsville and Rockhampton, which started in July and will support 300 construction jobs.

Another $28 million is being spent to replace 18 ageing timber rail bridges between Rosewood and Chinchilla.

Then there’s a $77 million project to lower 11 historic rail tunnels on the Toowoomba Range to allow for larger container trains, with work expected to finish in early 2020.

And between Gympie and Cairns, an $86 million project is replacing 20 timber bridges and supporting 280 jobs.

“Our rail network is an essential part of the freight supply chain, supporting regional growth and trade through our ports, which in turn means jobs,” Minister Bailey said. “We need to keep investing in our rail network so it’s safe and efficient for freight and passengers.”

Bailey also noted the $50 million invested to restore the Mt Isa Line after hundreds of sections of the line were washed out by the flooding event in February.

“Thanks to their skill and hard work, Queensland Rail’s emergency repair team got the line open again in 12 weeks.”