The Prime Minister and John Fullerton, CEO of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), today announced that the ARTC will fast track a major upgrade to the east-west national rail network.
The upgrade will involve 1200 kilometres of rail replacement between Adelaide and Tarcoola, and will deliver a substantial boost to freight productivity in South Australia and the national freight network.
The ARTC will partner with Arrium Steel to deliver the upgrade, substantially boosting demand for steel production at the Whyalla facility.
The upgrade will replace decades old rail with stronger steel, weighing 60kg per metre compared to the current 47kg per metre.
The stronger tracks will enable axle weight to increase from 23 tonne to 25 tonne at 80 kms per hour.
This means that a heavier freight load will be able to be carried and faster track speed, delivering a significant boost in productivity to the network.