Construction on the Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade in north western New South Wales is close to commencing with the Review of Environmental Factors for the project approved. 

The Review of Environmental Factors as well as a Submissions Report are available for viewing on the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) website. 

The Submissions Report includes public submissions on the rail line upgrade, and it also addresses key issues raised from the Review of Environmental Factors. 

Project development works such as geotechnical investigations, track alignment, survey, and constructability assessments on the Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade have already been completed by ARTC. 

The project will involve upgrading 35 kilometres of track between the Hunter Valley rail network and Inland Rail. Works are going to be carried out from Narrabri Coal Junction at Whitehaven Coal, south of Turrawan, to the future interface with Inland Rail at Narrabri North. 

Project alignment (source: Australian Rail Track Corporation)

Scope of works will include replacing the existing steel and timber sleepers with heavy duty concrete sleepers as well as replacement of the existing rail with upgraded rail, partial level crossing upgrades and associated civil works. 

Major construction activities on the Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade are due to begin later this year. 

ARTC will continue providing updates to the community as the project progresses further towards construction and completion. 

In December 2020, the Australian Government announced that it has committed $44.7 million towards the upgrade. 

Once completed, the upgraded track will help improve connectivity between Inland Rail and the Hunter Valley network. The project will also improve reliability and capacity for grain, cotton, freight and passenger services on the rail line.

Source: Australian Rail Track Corporation (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine