In March 2008, the Australian Government declared that the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) had been inquired to conduct the Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail Alignment Study.
In its March 2008 statement of the Government said that the Melbourne–Brisbane Inland Rail Alignment Study could build on preceding work through project a greater specific engineering, land corridor and environmental assessment, to allow scoping of the project’s capital cost. In the statement, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government asked a customer targeted and consultative look at regarding consultations with country governments, industry, local governments and essential rail customers.
Inland Rail is a new model. As no inland way currently exists between Melbourne and Brisbane, there is a chance to build new standards for both rollingstock and below-rail public services. These new principles are considered in terms of both the capital cost and operational advantages. Building Inland Rail to a higher level would allow increased speeds and/or axle load but require extra capital expenditure. Building to a lower standard would allow reduced capital costs at the expense of operational restrictions.
This study has used ARTC guidelines as the governing rail model, with other standards referenced where they are judged more suitable. Although it is accepted that Inland Rail may be owned or operated by ARTC or a private company, ARTC standards are deemed the most relevant. As a minimum, Inland Rail would need to be compatible with the other ARTC freight lines.
The Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail Alignment Study correlates to three states: Victoria, NSW and Queensland, and each of these states has different standards or legislation relating to issues such as environmental management or hydrology. Where standards differ between states, they have been identified where relevant.
The system used for signalling and control will be defined by the facility needs for the line. The track structure being considered is for a single line with simple passing loops and several rail crossings. ARTC has a new system call Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) which is planned to be used across their network. If problems arise, ATMS operates as a (TOW) train order working. If ATMS if it has not yet been developed in time then the project will work with electrified points machines that would be a suitable interim safe working system.
600Km of track will be built in new rail corridors
The program will comprise a 50-50 joint venture between ACCIONA and CPB Contractors Joint Venture (ACACPB JV), who have been appointed as the preferred proponents to work with ARTC on the Southern Civil Works Program.
This project will improve relationships in our national freight network, providing quickly and reliably developing relationships between capitals cities and regional zones – thus incredibly improving the transport of goods around our country, strengthening our supply chain.
Inland Rail is already providing exciting opportunities for business growth, local and international trade, jobs and economic development.
