New rail tracks for Patrick and ABA at port of Melbourne

<p>Patrick and the Australian Bulk Alliance (ABA) will gain separate dedicated tracks as part of a new $5.95m rail project at the Port of Melbourne.</p> <p>Patrick will be able to increase the length of its trains to 1,300 metres, equivalent to 10 container wagons per train.</p> <p>ABA will be able to increase the length of its trains to 690 metres, equal to six grain wagons per train.</p> <p>The port of Melbourne is now laying 1,400 metres of new common-user , signalling and sidings at Appelton Dock.</p> <p>Victorian minister for transport Peter Batchelor said the Government is acting to keep freight costs under control to ensure Victoria’s exports are more competitive on the world markets.</p> <p>The current project is part of the Port of Melbourne Corporation’s long-term plan to fully develop rail infrastructure at Swanson Dock and Appleton Dock.</p> <p>Works are to be completed in June 2005.</p> <br />