The Australian Rail Track Corporation has signed a contract for the North Coast Improvement Alliance with Transport Express Alliance, a joint venture between Barclay Mowlem Construction and Balfour Beatty Australia.

ARTC CEO David Marchant says the significant upgrade of the North Coast Line will deliver a reliable track to operators.

"[It's] estimated [it will] lift rail's market share by 118 percent over the next 10 years from Sydney to Brisbane," he says.

The three year project, valued in excess of $200 million, forms part of ARTC's Major Works Program and is focused on the renewal, rehabilitation and enhancement of rail infrastructure along the North Coast corridor.

Works will include the extension, new construction and upgrade of crossing loops, track improvements, structural works including bridge rehabilitation and operational works, aimed at improving transit time, reliability, capacity and yield above and below rail.

"Transit time will be reduced Sydney/ Brisbane for 1500 metre superfreighters from 19 hours 22 minutes to 15 hours 30 minutes with reliable daily movement each way," Marchant claims.

Works are expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2005 and will be undertaken by Barclay Mowlem's newly formed Infrastructure Group. The works are scheduled for completion in late 2008.

Australian Transport News