Eastern Goldfields railway projects to gain federal cash

<p>The Federal Government has approved $28.1m of AusLink funds for rail works worth $60m between Perth and Kalgoorlie, transport minister Mark Vaile said today (Wednesday, May 16). </p> <p>"The two major infrastructure projects involve just over $46m for the re-sleepering of around 76 km of rail track between Koolyanobbing and Kalgoorlie and nearly $14m for the extension of six passing loops between Kewdale and Kalgoorlie," Mr Vaile said. </p> <p>"I am pleased that the private sector and the State Government are contributing the remainder of the funds required for this important project,which will assist in upgrading the AusLink national network." </p> <p>The new works will allow longer 1,800-metre trains to run more consistently on the standard gauge track. </p> <p>&#8220Re-sleepering will also lead to improved train travel speeds of up to 115 km&#47h," Mr Vaile said.</p> <p>Both projects would improve interstate track capacity and efficiency of freight movements, with flow-on benefits for the more reliable operation of the Prospector and Indian Pacific passenger services.</p> <p>Construction was expected to start after September and take 12 months to complete.</p> <br />