The Parkes to Narromine section of Inland Rail in New South Wales was commissioned in late September 2020 and is now operational. The project involved the upgrade of 98.4km of existing rail track, including a full rebuild of the rail tracks, rail formation and supporting structures along the rail corridor. The 5.3km stretch of new rail track near Parkes, known as the North West Connection, is also complete and has been transferred to ARTC Operations with trains now using the line. Following completion of Inland Rail, the Parkes to Narromine section will provide a direct rail link between south-east Queensland, Adelaide and Perth via the Parkes north west connection. This connection will deliver immediate benefits with the east–west transcontinental line to Perth.
Rating Highlights:
- Implementation of the Earthworks Materials Specification allowing for the first time the re-use of existing formation on a freight rail project;
- The first instance of carbon neutral culvert use on an Australian freight rail project; and
- P2N delivered great outcomes in the stakeholder, social performance and community engagement areas, demonstrating the commitment of Inland Rail to the communities it impacts.
