<p>Leighton Contractors has won the $116m contract to design and build the new Dynon Port Rail Link that will deliver 24-hour rail access to the port of Melbourne and alleviate congestion.</p> <p>The project will eliminate three level crossings on Footscray Road. </p> <p>A 600-metre, six-lane overpass will carry Footscray Road over a new rail line, though trucking groups have concerns about its steep gradient. </p> <p>Two new dual-gauge main lines will be built between the new port junction and the existing main line north of Footscray Road. </p> <p>They will cater to double-stacked container trains, longer than those used now, with each having direct access to on-dock rail terminals.</p> <p>The new facilities would be completed by the end of 2009, the federal transport minister, Mark Vaile, and the Victorian roads and ports minister, Tim Pallas, said yesterday (Tuesday, June 19).</p> <p> “Without the overpass and extra rail capacity that this project can deliver, peak-hour traffic on Footscray Road would queue past Appleton Dock Road and the number of trains accessing the port would need to be capped around 2008,” Mr Vaile said.</p> <p>“That would be counter to the AusLink objective of limiting growth in road-based transport vehicles by transferring more of the freight task to rail.”</p> <p>Mr Pallas said the Dynon Port Rail Link was a strategic part of the Victorian Government’s plan to improve port productivity.</p> <p>“Up to 15 trains use the crossing every day and this number is expected to increase,” he said.</p> <p>“The elevation of Enterprize Road and Appleton Dock Road as part of this project will ensure longer trains do not impact road movements within the Port.</p> <p>“Currently, the Port of Melbourne’s only rail access is via a single dual-gauge track crossing Footscray Road. Trains are required to stop at Footscray Road for correct signalling before entering the port."</p> <br />
