First construction works successfully completed from Stockinbingal to Parkes

The first major construction works on Inland Rail’s Stockinbingal to Parkes section have been successfully completed, with principal contractor Martinus Rail making great progress across multiple sites.

A track machine completing culvert works on the Stockinbingal to Parkes section of the Inland Rail project

The works were carried out during a 60-hour track possession with the Melbourne to Sydney line closed from Saturday 23 to Monday 25 September. Workers across three sites from Stockinbingal to Parkes worked around the clock to kickstart major construction and return the line to operation.

New precast culverts were installed under the main line at Daroobalgie in preparation for the future crossing loop to be constructed next year.

Track and shoulder formation works and track slews were completed at both the Bribbaree and Caragabal yards, allowing sufficient clearance for double stacked trains.

These sites are now complete and meet the requirements for Inland Rail.

The works are a key milestone towards Inland Rail being completed between Beveridge and Parkes by 2027, and connecting to existing rail networks between Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and the Illawarra.

Melvyn Maylin, Inland Rail Director of Program Delivery for Albury to Parkes, said:

“It was a group effort behind the scenes for both Inland Rail and Martinus teams to take advantage of this possession window and successfully complete our planned works ahead of schedule.

“Together we were able to safely deliver these works six months earlier than originally planned. A big congratulations to the teams who worked tirelessly to make this happen.

“We’d also like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding as we carried out these construction tasks.”