$11.7 million Coolamon siding extension complete
The freight movement of crops and other produce in the Riverina region of NSW is now a whole lot easier thanks to a $11.7 million extension to the existing rail siding in Coolamon.
Located about 40 kilometres north-west of Wagga Wagga, the Coolamon siding has been extended from 920 metres to 1530 metres, enabling more efficient access for modern freight trains that are up to 1500 metres in length.
Rail sidings play a pivotal role in railway efficiency by allowing trains to temporarily exit the main line so passenger and other freight services can pass while the train is loading or unloading.
The Coolamon siding extension aims to increase the capacity, access and reliability of the region’s rail network to transport local canola, wheat, barley, oats and other cereals.
Bulk freight trains move most of the region’s grain harvest to NSW ports, resulting in rail corridor operations of around 1500 trains per year.
Transport for NSW Senior Program Manager Simon Bingham said the Coolamon rail siding extension was crucial to the efficient movement of food, produce and raw materials that feed and power the state.
“The Coolamon rail siding extension is a win-win project, as it benefits freight producers, operators and customers, as well as people using regional passenger trains. It also contributes to the economic growth in rural areas,” Mr Bingham said.
“This project has brought a significant benefit to the local rail corridor but, when combined with other rail freight projects delivered in the region, it means the broader rail network will become incrementally more efficient. That efficiency will help the industry coax freight from road onto rail.”
Mr Bingham said the project allowed for improved scheduling of freight and passenger services on the line, as well as more efficient loading and shunting activities at the site.
“The siding extension means the Coolamon rail precinct will be more flexible, with trains able to use the new siding to load and unload while letting trains travelling on the main line to safely pass,” Mr Bingham said.
Siding construction activities began in late July 2023 and were completed in late September.
Country Regional Network (CRN) contractor UGL Regional Linx carried out the work, with up to 30 team members involved in the delivery of the project.
Several rail siding extensions and new rail siding projects have been funded by the NSW Government, including the $2.15 million rail siding at Temora West completed in mid-2020, and the new $14.4 million siding installed at the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub completed in late 2021.