The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) applauds the joint announcement made by the Federal and South Australian Governments that they will call for an expression of interest to separate the rail corridors at the Torrens Junction rail level crossing in Adelaide.

“This decision will have a dramatic and positive effect on freight trains travelling on the east-west network,” said ARA Chief Executive Officer, Danny Broad.

“In 2013, the Goodwood Junction Upgrade successfully separated the existing freight and Belair passenger lines from the Seaford line, removing the need for freight trains on either line to stop and give way to the many passenger trains on the line.

“By taking a similar approach to Torrens Junction, the existing productivity constraint between Adelaide and Melbourne will be eased drastically, allowing 1800-metre freight trains to operate between the two cities without holding up traffic.

“Longer, heavier trains on the east-west route maximises productivity for rail freight.
“Separating passenger and freight networks in capital cities is critical to improving rail freight productivity.

“Industry is aware of lengthy delays of freight trains in Sydney, for example, and the construction of the Southern Sydney Freight Line and ongoing construction of the Northern Sydney Freight Corridor are both welcome by the rail industry.

“The announcement of funding for Inland Rail in the federal budget this week is also critical for rail freight productivity on the east coast,” said Danny Broad. “The inland rail route will give freight trains a dedicated route along Australia’s east coast and take freight trains out of passenger networks. Passenger trains take priority so in Sydney, for example, if a freight train misses its allotted slot, it can be delayed up to six hours. Inland Rail and other projects to untangle our passenger and freight networks will therefore benefit passenger and freight services and customers by increasing rail’s capacity, reliability and travel times.”

(Source: ARA)