Sydney’s freight rail network has received another significant boost with the first track section of the Epping to Thornleigh Third Track project installed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the laying of the first section – two 85-metre track turnouts at Thornleigh over the June long weekend – was another step towards a stronger national freight rail network.
“The $477 million Epping to Thornleigh Third Track is a key part of the North Sydney Freight Corridor programme, with the addition of six kilometres of new track set to increase freight rail capacity across the national network,” Mr Truss said.
Federal Member for Berowra Philip Ruddock said the addition of a third track will safeguard the effectiveness of the Sydney to Brisbane freight rail route.
“The Main North Line between Sydney and Newcastle has been identified as a significant bottleneck, impacting on commuters and businesses alike, including those in the Berowra electorate, and I am pleased to see action being taken to meet this challenge.”
NSW Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister, Duncan Gay, said the project was a significant investment in the state economy, while also helping to separate freight and passenger trains.
“Thousands of people are employed by businesses which rely on this rail link, notably people in the Hunter and Gunnedah basins working in the mining and agriculture industries,” Mr Gay said.
“The Northern Sydney Freight Corridor programme has already created around 1000 jobs in construction and its related industries, and this project will continue to support NSW businesses and jobs more broadly.”
The Northern Sydney Freight Corridor project will remove about 200,000 heavy vehicle movements from local roads each year.
The Epping to Thornleigh Third Track project is expected to be completed in June 2016.