Site investigations in full swing
Inland Rail contractors will be in the Narromine to Narrabri project area in the coming months, working to collect information to inform project planning.
February 14, 2025
Geotechnical investigations and soil erosion testing are currently in progress, while plans to start utilities and flood level surveys in March have been confirmed.
These investigations have been prioritised for completion over the next two years to enable us to better understand construction scope, cost and schedule of the Narromine to Narrabri section of Inland Rail.
Here’s a summary of what’s happening when and where over the coming months:
What: Geotechnical investigations in the rail corridor.
Where: Around Narromine and Gilgandra (South) and between Baradine and Narrabri (North).
When: February until mid-March. North: April to May.
Why: To better understand ground conditions in locations where Inland Rail will be built.
What: Soil erosion testing along the rail corridor (pictured above).
Where: Around Narromine and Gilgandra.
When: January to March
Why: To help us understand how likely soil will erode in areas prone to flooding. This information will be used to determine the design of drainage structures under the railway as well as any mitigation measures required.
What: Cadastral surveys of land parcels directly intersecting the Inland Rail alignment.
Where: Around Narrabri.
When: Resuming April.
Why: To capture comprehensive measurements of land parcel boundaries to support acquisition conversations with directly impacted landowners.
What: Geotechnical investigations at potential borrow pits sites.
Where: Gilgandra (South) and between Baradine and Narrabri (North).
When: South: February until mid-March. North: 17 March to April
Why: To test ground conditions and determine suitability for the provision of earth materials that will be used in Inland Rail structures like embankments.
What: Flood level surveys.
Where: Around Narromine and Gilgandra.
When: 17 March to April.
Why: To determine any potential for flooding impacts on residences in proximity to the proposed Inland Rail track and how to minimise these impacts.
What: Utilities surveys.
Where: Around Narromine and Gilgandra.
When: April.
Why: To confirm the location of underground utilities and inform engineering design.
We want to hear from you!
With so much going on we want to ensure that the community is always kept informed and understands our work.
Our Stakeholder Engagement team is always happy to answer any questions or provide further detail on the schedule. Please do not hesitate to call or email us with any query.
To the landowners affected by our work, we are looking forward to collaborating with you closely. We have designed an Individual Property Management Plan to facilitate our engagement with you, ensuring we manage your needs and our requirements thoughtfully and transparently.
Call us on 1800 732 761.
Or email inlandrailnsw@inlandrail.com.au.
Images: Workers packing up soil erosion test samples (top); Drill rig set up for borrow pit geotechnical investigations near Narromine (bottom).
