NSW Government Approves Rail Freight Improvement Projects

The New South Wales (NSW) Government has approved plans for two rail freight projects that aim to ease road congestion around Sydney.

The railway line between Mascot and Botany is currently single track. It will be upgraded to double track. A new passing loop will also be added to the freight line connecting Cabramatta and Warwick Farm stations. This upgrade will allow freight trains of up to 1,300m in length to pass each other.

The upgrades will increase capacity on both lines.

Andrew Constance, Minister for Transport and Roads, said:
As the state's largest container port the efficient operation of Port Botany is critical. Forecasts predict a whopping 77 percent increase in the amount of freight it handles from 14.4 million tons in 2016 to 25.5 million tons by 2036.

For every extra freight train travelling on the Botany line, up to 54 trucks can be taken off Sydney's roads.

Thanks to fast-tracked assessments, construction works will be able to start in the next six months.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation will deliver both projects. The Cambramatta Loop Project is scheduled for completion by mid-2023. The Botany Rail Duplication should be completed by late 2024. Both projects are part of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.