The Inland Rail B2A project is making progress on the Beveridge to Albury section, where ten of the twelve enhancement locations can now accommodate double-stacked freight trains.

Double-stacked freight train on Inland Rail track
Illustrative photo of a double-stacked freight train on Inland Rail track. Photo: Inland Rail Pty Ltd

Inland Rail B2A project reaches ten ready sites

Prepared sites include the completed B2A Tranche 1 locations⁠ at Barnawartha North, Wangaratta, Glenrowan and Seymour-Avenel Road. The list also includes current Tranche 2 projects at Wandong, Hamilton Street and Short Street in Broadford, Seymour under the Hume Freeway, Euroa and Benalla.

The two remaining locations — the Marchbanks Road bridge in Broadford and the Tallarook site beneath the Hume Freeway — are expected to be ready for double-stacked trains before the end of the year.

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B2A Tranche 2 project supports local suppliers

Inland Rail also said the B2A Tranche 2 project has spent $181 million with 376 local suppliers⁠. Those suppliers have provided plant and equipment, haulage services, traffic management, environmental services and accommodation.

Inland Rail is a 1,600km freight rail line⁠ under construction between Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The Beveridge to Albury section covers upgrades to 262km of existing track between Beveridge and the Victoria-NSW border at Albury-Wodonga, with works at 12 North East rail line sites to create the height and width clearances needed for double-stacked freight trains.

An Inland Rail spokesperson said:

“There’s still more work to do on the B2A project but having ten out of twelve work sites ready for double-stacked operation is a great achievement.

“Local people, with local expertise, are important to help deliver the project and we’re committed to boosting their skills base and the capability of regional suppliers through delivery of this project.

“The Victorian project is on track to be completed in 2027, and we thank all of our local communities for their patience and understanding while these important works are carried out.”

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