Inland Rail will better link producers, manufacturers and businesses to national and global markets.
In Victoria, Inland Rail is upgrading 262km of existing track between Beveridge and Albury (B2A) to provide sufficient height and width clearances to allow double-stacked freight trains to use the line.
Railway tracks are being lowered and bridges raised at 12 locations and further work is taking place within the rail corridor to modify tracks, stations, utilities and signal gantries.
The first four project sites at Barnawartha North, Wangaratta, Glenrowan and Seymour-Avenel Rd are completed or close to completion, and work is about to begin at Benalla, Euroa, Wandong, Broadford, Tallarook and Seymour.
Work on the remaining eight sites is expected to provide a further boost to local economies and communities.
Inland Rail construction partner John Holland is focused on employing local workers and encouraging regional businesses to register their interest in supplier opportunities.
Inland Rail B2A delivery director Ed Walker believed the Inland Rail project would leave a lasting legacy.
“We’re building much needed new infrastructure that will last for generations, but the legacy goes beyond the new bridges, upgraded railway stations and improved freight movements,” he said.
“Hundreds of highly skilled jobs are being created in regional communities, including traineeships and apprenticeships.
“Upskilling local workers will be vitally important for future rail and construction projects.”
Australia’s population is predicted to reach between 37.4 and 49.2 million people by 2066.
Inland Rail will provide a reliable and efficient rail network to meet our increasing freight needs and take the load off our already congested roads.
A 1.8km long doubled-stacked freight train travelling at up to 115km/h, using Inland Rail, will be able to carry the equivalent freight volume of 110 B-double trucks.
