Sleeper, rail upgrade adds Cootamundra to Parkes to interstate network

The $91.5m federally funded project, will replace worn track as well as all the existing timber sleepers, with 301,000 new concrete sleepers.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, congratulated the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) for moving so quickly to put the Government’s economic stimulus funding to work, by building modern rail infrastructure that is vital to Australia’s long term prosperity. “The government will invest more in rail over the next 12 months than our predecessors did during their 12 years in office,” Albanese said.
Up until now the line between Cootamundra and Parkes - originally laid as a secondary line - has never been upgraded to interstate standard. This has resulted in the line only being able to carry trains operating under strict weight and speed restrictions.
ARTC chief executive David Marchant, explained the upgrade of the line would improve the overall efficiency on the interstate network. “Concrete sleepers in themselves may not sound significant, but they will greatly improve the track’s capacity and reduced transit times,” Marchant said.
“Their use will also reduce the need for temporary speed restrictions in the summer months. Whereas wooden sleepers tend to buckle on extremely hot days, concrete sleepers hold rails firmly in place.”
With one 1500m train replacing around 100 trucks, Marchant said the upgrade will also allow more freight to be transported by rail, which over time will lead to fewer trucks on Australia’s roads. The project will directly support up to 120 jobs, take five months to complete and use sleepers being produced by Austrak’s Wagga Wagga factory.
For more information on rail projects funded under the Federal Government's Economic Stimulus Package visit: www.economicstimulusplan.gov.au