Nearly thirty boreholes being drilled in New South Wales will support critical geotechnical investigations required to determine the locations for the Federal Government’s High-Speed Rail between Sydney and Newcastle.
The geotechnical investigations are being undertaken by the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) as part of the business case being developed for the first stage linking Sydney and Newcastle.
High-speed rail will connect Australian regions, cities and communities – delivering more job and lifestyle choices, greater housing options and new economic opportunities.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King spoke about the early works.
“High-speed rail means generations of new opportunities for regional Australia, creating more jobs in more locations and giving people greater choices in where they live, work, study and play,” she said.
“It is a nation-shaping investment to support a growing population, which will better link workers with opportunities while delivering a sustainable low emissions form of transport.
“High-speed rail will help shape Australia for decades to come.”
The Federal Government is planning for a high-speed rail network that will connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast of Australia.
The first stage will connect Newcastle to Sydney – a nationally significant corridor – to create a fast, reliable and regular link between the two largest cities in NSW.
High Speed Rail Authority CEO Tim Parker said journeys will be quick, convenient and comfortable.
“Right now, we’re working on how to build a new railway in complex areas and the engineering challenges we would face,” he said.
Work has started on drilling 27 boreholes in key areas between Newcastle and Sydney to better understand geological conditions along the route. The information from this work will help in:
- determining the proposed depths of new rail tunnels;
- assessing geological and geotechnical conditions to cross the Hawkesbury River; and
- understanding the geological complexities of traversing the escarpment into the Central Coast and on to Newcastle.
The Government has committed $500 million for the planning and corridor protection of the Sydney to Newcastle section, and established the HSRA to conduct the work.
The business case for the Newcastle to Sydney stage is due to be delivered to the Government by the end of this year.
