Major construction begins on Parkes to Narromine section of Inland Rail

The sod has been turned to signal the beginning of construction on the first section of the 1,700-kilometre Inland Rail. The Parkes to Narromine (P2N) section of the Inland Rail in New South Wales is going to be delivered by INLink - a joint venture between BMD Constructions and Fulton Hogan.

INLink was awarded a $310 million contract in October of this year, and the joint venture will be upgrading approximately 98.4 kilometres of existing rail track as well as deliver 5.3 kilometres of new rail track.

“At INLink JV, we believe it is important to work closely with local communities along the alignment… We are also shopping local and have already spent over $120,000 across local businesses in Parkes,” Project Director Gerard O’Connor said.

Mr O’Connor added that this project is expected to support up to 100 local jobs.

BMD Group Executive Director - Operations Scott Power together with the INLink team (source: BMD Constructions)

Upgrades to the existing track will comprised of:

• Replacing existing sleepers and track with concrete sleepers and new steel tracks

• Realigning the track to minimise tight curves

• Raising the level of the rail formation or supportive foundations of the track

• Replacing and upgrading culverts

Other works to be carried out on the P2N section of Inland Rail will include the construction of crossing loops at locations where can pass each other as well as works on level crossings, signalling and communication, signage, fencing and services, and utilities along the route.

“Inland Rail will connect rural and regional Australia to millions of customers at home and overseas through key domestic and rapidly expanding international markets.

“It will also drive significant investment in the communities themselves through the creation of around 16,000 direct and indirect jobs, and a $16 billion contribution to the national economy,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

Source: Inland Rail

The P2N section is just one of the 13 projects that will complete the Inland Rail - a refight rail line that will run between Melbourne and Brisbane, passing through regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

“Farmers will be able to move food and fibre between Melbourne and Brisbane, in larger volumes and more cost-efficiently.

“This is truly a once-in-a-generation project and I’m proud to be part of this historic event, marking the formal start of construction,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.

It is anticipated that the first double-stack freight train will begin operating on track by mid-2020s.

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Source: BMD Constructions; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Inland Rail