Inland Rail works for Stockinbingal to Parkes get green light
Construction works on the Inland Rail Stockinbingal to Parkes project will begin in late 2022 following planning approval for two works packages.
December 7, 2021
The enhancement works for the two proposals will create the necessary clearances to run double-stacked freight trains, as well as provide additional capacity on this section of the Inland Rail alignment.
The construction works of a 2.21-kilometre crossing loop at Daroobalgie Road, north of Forbes, will include the replacement and extension of culverts to mitigate flooding on neighbouring land. In direct response to stakeholder feedback, ARTC will also upgrade the level crossing at Daroobalgie Road to be active with boom gates, bells and lights.
The second approved works package involves lowering the main line track beneath the Wyndham Avenue road bridge to increase vertical clearance to 7.1 metres for double-stacked freight trains to pass.
Planning approval is based on a Review of Environmental Factors (REFs) undertaken by service provider WSP. It determined that environmental impacts during both construction and operation would be adequately managed through the measures described.
Early works to relocate utilities are due to commence in January next year.
ARTC has commenced a competitive tender process to appoint a principal contractor to manage the Stockinbingal to Parkes works. Briefings and capability workshops for local suppliers to participate in the Inland Rail project will also be held at a later date.
The two remaining REFs for the Stockinbingal to Parkes project will go on public exhibition for 21 days on 3 February 2022. This is to seek community feedback on the horizontal clearances between Stockinbingal and Forbes and the modification of the Lachlan River bridge.
IMAGES (click to enlarge): The proposed designs for the Wyndham Avenue road bridge track lower (left) and the crossing loop north of the upgraded level crossing at Daroobalgie Road (right).
