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News in brief ‘ 4-10 November 2009

Spain’s HS rail moving more passengers than airline
The number of passengers travelling by the AVE high speed railway between Madrid and Barcelona in Spain has reportedly surpassed airline passenger traffic for the first time.
At least 651,498 passengers have opted for the rail service, compared to 643,512 using air travel for the same route – which is considered the fifth busiest air route in the world – between July and September 2009, it was reported.
The 236.3 kmph rail link opened in 2008 and offers a journey time of 2 hours 40 minutes.

Major upgrade works of Hunter Valley Coal network
The ARTC took ‘possession’ of the Hunter Valley Coal rail network over the weekend so that it could undertake major upgrade works on 21 separate sites, specifically: turnout grinding plain track resurfacing stock rial and switch replacement fencing renewals retimbering drainage improvements and signalling works.
“These large possessions that occur over a number of days allow ARTC to implement valuable upgrades and make preparations for major capital works that are planned for the future as part of the ongoing development of the Hunter Valley Rail Corridor,” ARTC chief executive David Marchant said.
“We know that demand for Hunter Valley coal is set to increase dramatically by 2012. The ongoing upgrade of the corridor with new signals, more passing loops and bridge replacements is part of ARTC’s strategy to stay ahead of future export capacity for coal.”
ARTC said that as the network is a key link in the coal logistics chain, it coordinates its major maintenance possessions to align with maintenance carrying on at the Newcastle ports so that there is no overall capacity loss on the network.

Rail and trucking industries join forces for safety’s sake
The Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) and Australian Trucking Association (ATA) are collaborating to create a level crossing installation in the ATA’s educational vehicle, ‘The Road Ahead’.
Currently touring regional and rural Australian communities, the $1.3 million interactive semi-trailer educates school groups, local trucking operators and suppliers as well as MPs, local politicians and local councils with important road safety tips.
The RISSB board has approved a level crossing display panel and interactive exhibit within the vehicle. The educational vehicle is a fantastic opportunity for rail and trucking industries to increase awareness and understanding of level crossing safety in Australia, RISSB said.

Australia’s trade gap widens in September
By Sineva Toevai
Australia’s trade balance fell deeper into red territory in September with the deficit widening $239m from the previous month, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures.
The trade deficit increased a seasonally-adjusted 15 per cent from August to almost $1.9 billion in September, ABS said.
Exports rose 5 per cent to $20.2 billion while imports jumped 5 per cent to just under $22.1 billion.
Coal, coke and briquettes exports increased 9 per cent, rural goods dipped 3 per cent and non-monetary gold surged 64 per cent.
Imports of capital goods rose 2 per cent to $4 billion with the main contributor being industrial transport equipment, which increased by 28 per cent, ABS said.
Source: Lloyd’s List Daily Commercial News – www.lloydslistdcn.com.au

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