Mount Murray Loop Extension Providing Freight Boost
The NSW Government is building a safer and stronger regional rail network with the completion of the $7.5 million Mount Murray Loop extension.
Minster for Regional Transport and Road Paul Toole said the 300 metre extension to the existing 764-metre rail loop will boost productivity on the Moss Vale to Unanderra line, an important link for farmers and miners delivering their goods to Port Kembla.
“The loop extension funded through the Restart NSW Fixing Country Rail program means trains up to one kilometre long can now pass each other, increasing efficiency,” Mr Toole said.
“The increase in the length of trains will see an expected three million tonnes of freight pass through this section of track each year.
“With the regional freight task expected to increase 12 per cent to 2036 – to 286 million tonnes per annum installing passing loops like the one at Mt Murray will ensure more cost-effective rail freight movements.”
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said longer trains mean increased productivity and she welcomed the improved competitiveness that would provide to local producers.
“Upgrades like the Mount Murray Loop extension are a great opportunity for the freight rail industry to carry more of the load across NSW, helping to take thousands of freight trucks off country roads.”
“The project has also had a direct benefit to the local community with around 140 people directly and indirectly employed during the life of the project,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
The NSW Government’s Fixing Country Rail program delivers upgrades including rail sidings and passing loops, reinstating non-operational rail lines and track upgrades to enable increased axle weights to improve efficiency and reduce costs for regional rail freight.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has delivered the project on behalf of the NSW Government. For more information about Fixing Country Rail go to https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/freight-hub