Inland Rail build is on track

The Inland Rail Project in Victoria is taking shape, with construction kicking off at the first of 12 project sites between Beveridge and Albury.

In February the first sod was turned in Glenrowan to mark the start of construction, that will include the upgrade of 305 km of existing rail corridor along the North East rail line. The Inland Rail Project will connect Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, NSW and Queensland, to transform how goods are moved around Australia.

Victoria is set to benefit significantly from the project with freight efficiencies and investment opportunities expected to boost the state’s potential output by $6 billion over the first 50 years of operation.

Businesses in Victoria are already benefiting from Inland Rail. So far 58 contracts at a value of $269.1 million have been committed to Victorian businesses for services and supplies on the Victorian section of the project. Construction activity will bring opportunities for businesses to participate in delivering the work, but there will also be a positive flow-on effect for service providers including motels, retailers, cafes and restaurants who will reap the benefits of the project.

The first phase Inland Rail in Victoria will be delivered in two tranches, with McConnell Dowell appointed to complete works at Glenrowan, Wangaratta, Seymour-Avenel Rd and Barnawartha North, along with modifications to tracks, utilities and signal gantries along the rail corridor. The second tranche of works will be delivered at eight sites including Euroa, Benalla, Wandong, Broadford, Seymour and Tallarook. These sites are progressing through the reference design stage.

ARTC Inland Rail said it was engaging with local communities and welcomed their feedback to help inform the designs.

To find out about the latest information on the Inland Rail Project in your area, visit the ARTC team at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo or phone them on 1800 732 761 or email victoriaprojects@artc.com.au