New and upgraded passing loops provide greater network flexibility with more options for trains to pass each other at Elmhurst, Emu and Tourello.
Project benefits
The reinstatement of a 960m loop at Tourello on the Maryborough Line will be able to accommodate 52 wagon grain trains able carry 3000 tonnes of grain.
A 900m loop will be constructed at Elmhurst on the Ararat to Maryborough Line.
The passing loop at Emu, between Donald and Dunolly, will extend by 400m to allow 1200m long freight trains to pass on the Yelta Line.
Benefits from these upgrades include:
- increased ad-hoc freight services
- enabling freight and passenger trains to pass each other in selected sections
- increased capacity on the broad gauge network
- 49 weekly freight paths (up from 28)
- improved passing capacity across the network
