The McConnell Dowell and Martinus Rail Joint Venture (MMJV) is poised to start work on one of the largest freight upgrade projects in Australia – the  $440 million Murray Basin Rail Project

V/Line is overseeing the Murray Basin Rail Project, which involves the upgrade and conversion of over 1,000 kilometers of track to standard gauge to provide better rail freight services and improved freight access to major ports. The project is jointly funded by the Federal and Victorian governments.

To mark the beginning of these works which includes scope to reopen the 87-kilometre freight train line from Maryborough to Ararat, Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester and Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan inspected equipment and met some of the MMJV team at Maryborough on 31 July.

The Maryborough to Ararat track is expected to reopen in January 2018, returning freight trains to the line for the first time in more than a decade.

Preliminary works along the line are already underway including vegetation removal and site investigations.

Works are also set to begin in Dunolly, ultimately delivering major upgrades to the Mildura freight rail line.

Crews will upgrade and convert the track from Dunolly to Yelta, and Ouyen to Murrayville from broad gauge to standard gauge, the works will increase train axle loadings from 19 tonnes to 21 tonnes between Dunolly and Yelta to allow freight trains to carry larger loads.

Jim Miller, the responsible Operations Manager at McConnell Dowell said “This is a an important project for the State and for regional businesses relying on freight. For McConnell Dowell it is an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in delivering long line renewal.”

More information about the project can be found at vline.com.au/murraybasinrail