Aurizon last week began construction on a new $40 million intermodal facility at Stuart near Townsville.
Lance Hockridge, chief executive of the Queensland-based operator, said the Stuart Intermodal Facility would be a crucial piece of transport infrastructure for the Sunshine State.
“This project will inject millions of dollars into the local economy and provide a range of benefits to our customers and to the local community,” Hockridge said on February 11.
The project includes construction of a freight distribution centre, a modern container terminal and three new rail tracks specifically designed for intermodal operations at the site, which is roughly 14km south of the Port of Townsville.
The terminal will be built in the Townsville State Development Area, and will have key connections to the North Coast Rail Corridor, North West Rail Corridor and the Stuart Bypass Road, Aurizon said.
The company also plans to build a road link and intersection at the Stuart Bypass Road to facilitate traffic flow from major highways into the yard.
Aurizon sees the new facility as a key part of the consolidation of its transport operations to Stuart from inner Townville, which in turn will allow the redevelopment of the site.
“This strategically-located facility will underpin the growth of our intermodal business over the coming years,” Hockridge said.
“It will be equipped with the latest innovation and designed to drive efficiencies, lift productivity and deliver improved services for our customers.
“We welcome the support of the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council for the project, and in ensuring the new rail infrastructure integrates with local development planning, which will significantly reduce freight traffic through inner Townsville.”
State development minister Anthony Lynham welcomed the start of works at Stuart.
“Aurizon’s $40 million intermodal freight terminal will generate 120 pay packets at its peak as well as business for local suppliers across the city,” Dr Lynham said.
“It’s a welcome sign of positivity on the local economic scene after a tough few weeks.”
Dr Lynham said the signalised intersection at the Stuart Bypass would create direct access for heavy vehicles to the Townsville Port Access Road and the Bruce and Flinders Highway.
“Removing the rail yard from the CBD will also lead to amenity and traffic improvements for the city, reducing noise and traffic delays,” he said.
“The new purpose-designed and built freight terminal takes advantage of the strategic location of the Townsville State Development Area, at the junction of the national road network (Bruce and Flinders Highways) with direct access to Queensland Rail’s North Coast rail line.”
Construction is expected to be complete later this year, with the facility fully operational by the end of 2016, Aurizon said.