170km Inland Rail section now complete

Construction has wrapped up on one of the Inland Rail project’s largest works packages, the 170-kilometre Stockinbingal to Parkes section in New South Wales.

The Stockinbingal to Parkes section is just one of 12 sections that form part of the wider Inland Rail, a 1600-kilometre fast freight rail line that will link Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Around 1000 kilometres of the 1600 mentioned will feature upgrades and enhancements to existing track, with the remaining 600 to comprise of newly constructed track. This enhanced and newly constructed infrastructure will support the safe passage of double-stacked freight trains.

Each 1.8-kilometre-long train is capable of carrying up to the equivalent of 110 B-double trucks.

Related stories:

The Stockinbingal to Parkes section is now one of three sections that are ready for double-stacked operations and represents a major step towards delivering Inland Rail from Beveridge to Parkes in 2027.

Key works completed include a new 2.2 kilometre crossing loop and upgraded level crossing at Daroobalgie, lowering the track beneath Wyndham Avenue in Forbes, and modifications to the Lachlan River bridge to allow clearance for double-stacked freight.

Additional improvements were also completed at Forbes Station and rail yards across the region to upgrade clearances and track alignment for smoother operations.

With major construction now complete, Inland Rail will carry out minor works and maintenance activities over the next twelve months.

Martinus Rail was the principal contractor on the Stockinbingal to Parkes section of Inland Rail.