The Australian Rail Track Corporation has completed the Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade just in time for what’s anticipated to be one of the largest grain harvests for farmers in north-west New South Wales.
Funded by a $44.7 million investment from the Federal Government, the rail upgrade between the Hunter Valley and Narrabri North aims to improve freight efficiency and connectivity in the region.
The project will be delivered from Narrabri Coal Junction at Whitehaven Coal, south of Turrawan, to the future interface with Inland Rail at Narrabri North, designed to improve reliability and capacity for grain, cotton, freight and passenger services.
It also aligns with the future interface of the Inland Rail at Narrabri North, positioning the region as a key hub for freight movement across New South Wales and beyond.
The upgrade supports heavier train loads, allowing each train to carry more freight – up to 25 tonnes per axle, increasing the total weight bearing load for each train while enabling trains to travel at up to 80 kilometres per hour along the corridor.
The 35-kilometre project involved the replacement of outdated steel and timber sleepers with heavy-duty concrete sleepers, upgrading existing rail and associated civil works.
Wayne Johnson, Australian Rail Track Corporation Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director said the completion of the Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade is a significant boost for the New South Wales north-west communities and the broader economy.
“This improves efficiency of logistics for agricultural producers and freight movers, helping them and the communities where they operate to be more sustainable,” he said.