December 02, 2008

New passing loop adds capacity to Hunter Valley coal chain

Australia media reported that Mr Mark Vaile federal transport minister announced the commissioning of AUD 10.5 million the Muswellbrook Junction and passing loop project by the Government’s Australian Rail Track Corporation that will increased Hunter Valley coal rail network capacity. Mr Mark said that the new passing will help the rail system meet future demand from existing mines and new mine projects planned.

The new bi directional crossing facility for Ulan and Main North coal trains at Muswellbrook will eliminate significant delays for trains on the Ulan line joining the main north line at Muswellbrook. The project’s extension of the existing loop to 1,800 meters will allow a full length coal train of around 1,550 meters to join the main line, reducing the return cycle time for crossing coal trains by up to 60 minutes.

The Muswellbrook project is part of Australian Rail Track Corporation’s Muswellbrook to Antiene line duplication project, under its AUD 381 million Hunter Valley Coal Network Enhancement Strategy.