G.A.P aka missing link

[Set in train]

What do you all think of the new, 69km missing link open connecting Goonyella with Abbott Point rail systems?

I notice it is single track.

We all complain in the passenger rail threads about single track, is it acceptable out there to open a new line with only single track? The NCL alone should be double track with the freight traffic yet is single, should the same apply to the G.A.P?

[HappyTrainGuy]

This isn't surban/passenger track. It pretty much carries only coal. Coalies out there are very well timed as the unloading process can be time consuming considering the trains total length and rollingstock restrictions. Pring yard has had a make over to allow more, heavier and longer trains along with some realignments to increase the speeds in parts. The problem the NCL has is that mixed services tend to all funnel into key areas and restrictions in place (rail quality, rollingstock restrictions between different regions, peak hour freight lockout, passenger traffic, different rollingstock speeds etc). It shouldn't/won't have any effect on the NCL due to minimal running but with the extra link it should reduce its impact on the Goonyella System with more coalies running to Abbot Point (There are only a few major mines on the Newlands line compared to Goonyella anyway). Upgrading the signaling/adding extra loops would be a more likely and easier cost effective option when services ramp up in the future with other mines coming online considering some of the massive earthworks they have done. Is it BHP or something want their own line aswell. Do I see that happening... not really.

[mufreight]

See previous post by rtt and comment re passing lanes, that concept would appear to be beyond the mentality of those who plan such things from TMR otherwise they would have made use of that concept on the main north line (NCL) between Beerburrum and Marybrough already.

[Fares_Fair]

See previous post by rtt and comment re passing lanes, that concept would appear to be beyond the mentality of those who plan such things from TMR otherwise they would have made use of that concept on the main north line (NCL) between Beerburrum and Marybrough already.

G'day mu,

You're back and firing on all cylinders here ...
gotta blame the Government for this one though !

Cheers,
Fares_Fair.

[Set in train]

Thanks all for your reasoned responses.