Work is underway on the replacement of three rail bridges in Muswellbrook, NSW.
The project is being carried out by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and involves replacing the bridges spanning Bridge St, Muscle Creek, and Hunter River. One 26m long single-span concrete bridge will be built over Bridge St and a combined 175m long multi-span concrete bridge will be constructed over Muscle Creek and Hunter River.
Completion is expected by June 2022 and will improve the productivity of the Hunter Valley rail network, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack.
“This project will ensure the safety and reliability of the freight rail line as the existing bridges near the end of their structural life span.”
Local businesses are expected to be involved in the project, said Finance Minister Mathias Cormann.
“This project will support up to 200 jobs, providing a timely investment into the Muswellbrook community to help support local businesses and employment throughout the region,” he said
“Safe and efficient freight networks are critical to our national economy and to all Australians, particularly as our hard-working freight operators continue to deliver Australia’s valuable mineral exports to international markets and connect consumers with the goods they need.”
The line supports the export of coal from the Hunter Valley, as well as passenger services and freight lines.
“More than 250 trains use this critical rail network daily. These include coal trains, passenger services as well as grain, general intermodal and other bulk freight trains,” said Senator for NSW Perin Davey.