Upgrades to the North South rail line connecting Sydney to Melbourne have been moved forward.
The $134 million Ballast Rehabilitation Program is now underway, with the majority of the work expected to be completed within 18 months.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“The added urgency has been brought about by the adverse impact the change in weather since mid 2010 has had on the line, with the region now experiencing well-above average rainfall after almost a decade of drought.
“Ensuring the safety and reliability of the network is essential to making rail a competitive alternative for the transportation of freight—and for that reason the Government supports the action now being taken by the Australian Rail Track Corporation.
“All up, the Gillard Labor Government is rebuilding more than a third of the Interstate Rail Network—or some 3,800 kilometres of track—as part of our broader efforts to lift national productivity, curb harmful carbon emissions and take pressure off our highways.”
