The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has released the design and construct tender for the Cabramatta Loop Project, which will play an important role in meeting Sydney’s future freight demand.
ARTC Group Executive Interstate Network Peter Winder said the Cabramatta Loop Project involves the construction and operation of a passing loop on the eastern side of the Southern Sydney Freight Line between Cabramatta Station and Warwick Farm Station, which will enable trains to pass at a key juncture.
“This transformative Project will help increase the share of freight moved by rail in New South Wales and create up to 220 jobs during the construction phase that is scheduled to start in 2021,” Mr Winder said.
“Downer EDI, Fulton Hogan and John Holland Group have been shortlisted for the design and construction work for the Cabramatta Loop, which will help accommodate the expected increase in containers being moved by rail to and from Port Botany on the Southern Sydney Freight Line.
“The Australian Government’s has made a $400 million commitment to the Port Botany Rail Line Duplication and Cabramatta Loop projects, which have been identified as essential to enabling more freight to be transported by rail through Port Botany.
“The Cabramatta Loop will aid the national supply chain by building upon the benefits of other capacity improvements across the ARTC network, by enabling freight trains up to 1,300 metres in length that are travelling in either direction, to pass each other.
“The increase in rail capacity will create greater reliability for freight customers, improve operational efficiency and flexibility, and ease pressure on Sydney’s already congested roads by increasing rail freight market share.”
Mr Winder says the delivery of the Cabramatta Loop is important to meet the freight demands of Australia’s biggest city.
“Australia’s freight task is set to experience significant growth over the coming decades, and demand on the Southern Sydney Freight Line is anticipated to reach capacity by 2023,” said Mr Winder.
“Earlier this year Infrastructure Australia, the nation’s independent infrastructure advisor, added Cabramatta Loop to its Infrastructure Priority List, which lists projects deemed essential for economic, social or environmental reasons.
“In its assessment Infrastructure Australia found there is strong strategic merit for the Project as it supports the NSW Government’s aim to increase the mode share of containers being moved by rail to and from Port Botany, where currently around 80 per cent of containers are transported by road.”
For more information, visit https://www.artc.com.au/projects/cabramatta-loop-project/
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Media contact: ARTC media team 1300 196 401