Works and planning
The final proposed rail alignment for the Narromine to Narrabri section builds on 15 years of engineering and environmental investigations by some of Australia’s most trusted consultants, robust community engagement and constant design refinements.
A reference design of the railway corridor and structures has been proposed and submitted as part of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
ARTC will continue to refine the design using feedback from local communities and councils, technical consultants and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE). While some early investigation have commenced, major construction will not begin until all regulatory approvals have been received.
Building Inland Rail’s longest stretch of new rail corridor will involve millions of cubic meters of earthworks for new embankments, the installation of thousands of culverts, road realignments and utility relocations. The current design features 12 active and 51 passive level crossings, 75 new bridges and viaducts and seven crossing loops, each up to 2.2km long.
Click here to view the final route and leave your feedback on our interactive map.
Preferred Southern Civil Works Program proponents awarded
In late 2021, we appointed the ACCIONA and CPB Contractors Joint Venture (ACACPB JV) as the preferred proponent for the Southern Civil Works Program.
This section of Inland Rail involves construction of approximately 306km of new single track. The line extends from Narromine to Narrabri in north west New South Wales and is the longest section of Inland Rail.
ACACPB JV was selected following rigorous evaluation and demonstrated their capability to deliver the right technical solution while also providing significant lasting benefits for local communities along the alignment.
Next steps
We’re committed to ensuring the design of Inland Rail meets the highest environmental, safety and community standards in line with State and Australian government approval processes.
While appointing a preferred proponent prior to receiving planning approvals is common practice, major construction will not start until statutory approvals have been received.
Primary approvals are expected in the second half of 2023. We will continue to keep the community updated about the process and opportunities to meet ACACPB JV, as they undertake detailed design and gear up for construction.
To receive the latest project news, we welcome you to subscribe to our digital newsletter.
Project fly-throughs
Get a bird’s-eye view of part of the Narromine to Narrabri section of Inland Rail.
The four Narromine to Narrabri fly-through videos include the proposed rail alignment, bridges, cuttings and embankments, and public crossings.
Please note that the reference design may change as a result of further investigations, government approvals, or during the detailed design phase.
Details on fencing, maintenance access roads or potential changes to level crossings are not included in the fly-through videos.
Narromine to Narrabri fly-through #1
Narwonah Siding Road, Narromine to Bardens Road, Curban
Narromine to Narrabri fly-through #2
Bardens Road, Curban to Manai Road, Baradine
Narromine to Narrabri fly-through #3
Manai Road, Baradine to Dog Proof Fence Road, The Pilliga
Narromine to Narrabri fly-through #4
Dog Proof Fence Road, The Pilliga to Newell Highway, Narrabri
Visualisations
Check out some visualisations of the Narromine to Narrabri alignment.
These images are illustrative and not to scale. They are based on the reference design and may change as a result of further investigations, government approvals or during the detailed design stage of the project.
Macquarie River, Narromine
View looking west.
The Island Road, Narrabri
View looking north-east over The Island Road and Narrabri Creek.
Pilliga Forest, Baradine
View looking north over the forest and Cumbil Road.
Kamilaroi Highway, Narrabri
View looking South East over the Kamilaroi Highway, Narrabri.
Narromine to Narrabri Options Report
This Options Report summarises the process, inputs and decisions made by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to assess alternative options and identify the Study Area for the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail (Inland Rail) between Narromine and Narrabri.
