Article: Rail works allow double stacking on east-west corridor

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Rail works allow double stacking on east-west corridor

Rail works allow double stacking on east-west corridor
June 18, 2008

Double-stacked containers can now be transported along the east-west rail route after a $5.7 million upgrade of the corridor.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) says it has now completed works on the line between Parkes in new South Wales and Crystal Brook in South Australia.

The work involved lowering the rail at nominated structures, including a number of bridges, modifying overhead services and track and signal changes at the Broken Hill railway yard.

The line can now accommodate two stacked containers to a height of 6.5m.

ARTC CEO David Marchant says the upgrade will allow more goods to be transported along the corridor using the same number of trains.

"These changes now enable double stacking from Parkes to Perth and Adelaide," he says.

"As our population grows, the demand for more goods to be transported efficiently will significantly increase. By better utilising rail paths through double stacking more freight can be transported on each train.

"This upgrade will provide local industry and the community as a whole with a more efficient and cost effective transport service."

Marchant says the improvements are vital to meet future demand for goods transport.

"It is all part of the rebirth of freight rail as a significant transport option across Australia," he says.