<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> The "Missing Link" project to improve the connection between the Port of Melbourne and the interstate freight network opened on Monday. </span> <p><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></p> <p>Federal infrastructure and transport minister Anthony Albanese desribed it as a major milestone in infrastructure.</p> <p>The final stage to the project involved duplicating the dual gauge track between Sims Street Junction and the port, building 18 new turnouts, installing new signalling and completely reconstructing the Melbourne Operations Terminal, he said.</p> <p>The ARTC has also built a new line between North Dynon and the port.</p> <p>The federal government has kicked in $20m, the state government $13.3m and the ARTC $6.5m for the work.</p> <p>Victorian public transport minister Martin Pakula said upgrade will have spin-off benefits for the City’s urban rail network.</p> <p>"In short, the new and duplicated rail lines will allow both passenger and freight traffic to coexist in a more efficient manner than was previously the case," he said.</p> <p>ARTC chief executive David Marchant said the new rail infrastructure will pave the way for a more flexible operating environment at South Dynon and increase yield, capacity, efficiency and reliability of the rail network.</p> <p>"In simple terms, it will allow more freight to be moved faster," he said.</p> <p>The project was delivered by the ARTC and its partners South Improvement Alliance, consisting of John Holland, MVM and O’Donnell Griffin.</p><br />
