$125m Port Rail Transformation Project moves to next stage of works

The $125 million Port Rail Transformation Project in Victoria is progressing well as it reaches the next stage of works, taking the project a step closer to transforming the rail network at the Port of Melbourne as well as removing trucks from Victorian roads. 

The multi-million-dollar project will include: 

• A new Coode Road rail terminal interfacing with the Swanson Dock East International Container Terminal. The rail terminal will include two new rail sidings each that can handle 600-metre-long trains 
• A new road to facilitate the uninterrupted movement of containers. The new road will provide a continued East/West connection within the Swanson Dock Precinct without trucks needing to exit to Footscray Road replacing the section of Coode Road which will be closed for the construction of the above rail terminal 
• Modifications to the Swanson precinct common user sidings to accommodate 600-metre-long trains 
• A new track linking the Swanson and Appleton lead trucks to allow additional flexibility for trains to move within the port precinct 
• Upgrades to the Swanson lead track 

Source: Port of Melbourne

Crews on site have already prepared underground services and drainage along with foundation works for the new rail tracks and associated rail infrastructure. 

A statement from the VIC Department of Transport said: “Once complete, the project will result in major rail supply-chain efficiencies which will be a big win for producers, transport operators and exporters delivering goods to the Port of Melbourne. 

“On-dock rail is key part of the Port Rail Shuttle Network (PRSN) which will provide direct rail connections from the Port of Melbourne to major freight hubs in Melbourne’s north, west and south-east. 

“It’ll see trucks deliver or pick up freight from purpose built intermodal terminals at Altona, Dandenong South and Somerton removing thousands of heavy vehicles from inner-suburban roads, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving supply chain efficiencies.” 

In September 2021, Seymour Whyte was awarded the contract to design and build the project, in partnership with Port of Melbourne and WSP – the design partner for this development. 

Construction on the Port Rail Transformation Project is due to be completed in mid-2023. 

Source: Victoria State Government – Department of Transport; Port of Melbourne; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Fully Loaded