Narrabri to North Star construction update
In August, we laid the first section of track on the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 project, marking significant progress towards opening up the line for harvest in November 2021.
August 31, 2021
We are committed to the safe delivery of Inland Rail during this unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, and we are taking extra precautions and implementing additional preventatives measures to ensure the safety of our team and the Moree and Narrabri communities.
Read on to learn more about the project’s progress so far.
Reaching this major construction milestone brings work between Penneys Road, Bellata and Tapscott Road, South Moree, closer to completion. Currently, 22% of the track has been installed, comprising 9,937 sleepers and 5.9km of new rail. With a significant section of the track placed, welding commenced in mid-August to fuse 3 km sections of rail together to create a near-complete alignment.
At Gurley, construction of the rail bridge nears completion, with all 14 bridge deck units that make up the superstructure now installed. Bridge deck installation is one of the final major steps in the rail bridge construction before placing the ballast and rails across the structure. Works will continue on the bridge, including installing the abutments, landscaping, handrails and stairs.
Due to the current Covid-19 situation in both Queensland and NSW, there is limited non-essential travel by staff, but those who drive in for work are required to adhere to a stringent range of safety measures.
Personnel returning to any part of the Narrabri to North Star project site are compliant with all NSW health restrictions and the project adheres to a strict Covid Safe plan.
We are on schedule to complete this section of track works before 1 November, which will enable trains to transport grain between Moree and Narrabri and beyond throughout harvest.
Meanwhile, the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is now expected to go on display in early 2022, with construction likely to commence in 2023.
