Albury to Illabo: Understanding Train Numbers, Lengths and Speed
This information will assist you in understanding estimated train numbers, lengths and speeds relating to the Albury to Illabo section of Inland Rail.
December 14, 2023
Train numbers
The average number of predicted freight train movements between Albury and Illabo varies in different sections of the line as there are several connections to other routes.
In the Preferred Infrastructure Report, we have maintained the train numbers planned in the Environmental Impact Statement. This uses 2040 as the ‘design year’ to assess project effects, with a gradual increase of train numbers from the opening of Inland Rail between Melbourne and Brisbane.
Train numbers are not expected to immediately increase upon completion of construction of the Albury to Illabo section, given the staged delivery of Inland Rail, they are expected to gradually increase once the full Inland Rail project is operating.
Predicted daily freight trains:
Albury to Junee
- Now: 12
- 2040: 18
Junee to Illabo
- Now: 12
- 2040: 20
Train speeds
Did you know that freight train speeds depend on many factors?
There’s the posted speed limits, set by the track infrastructure. Each train then has a limit based on its rolling stock, weight and operational arrangements, which may be less than the posted speeds. The whole of the train has to pass the speed sign before it can start to speed up. Signals and other rail traffic can also mean trains travel slower than you might expect.
In Wagga Wagga, ARTC has put a temporary speed restriction of 40km/h in place on trains using the viaduct across the Murrumbidgee River (north to approximately Oura Road) while on-going network maintenance works are carried out. These are regular maintenance activities and do not stem from Inland Rail requirements.
ARTC runs regular inspections of all track areas, including the rail bridge over the Sturt Highway at Edward Street and Tarcutta Street. Train speeds will return to their normal 80km/h limit once works are completed in mid-2024.
Elsewhere, all track has been inspected and is in a fit condition to accommodate Inland Rail traffic.
Train lengths
Inland Rail freight trains would be up to 1,800 metres long with double-stacked containers up to 6.5 metres high. The Inland Rail infrastructure has been designed to limit train lengths to 1,800 metres.
Should future circumstances require longer trains, updated approvals and infrastructure would be needed.
The freight trains which currently operate on the Main South line between Albury and Illabo typically vary from 400 metres to 1,600 metres, and average 1,200 metres.
