Significant Progress for the Botany Rail Duplication

The construction of the new Southern Cross Drive Bridge, as part of the Botany Rail Duplication project in New South Wales, is making significant strides. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has successfully erected the first of two temporary steel girders for the bridge using a 600-tonne crane. This installation method allows for the pouring of concrete girders on-site, ensuring that the road below remains open to traffic.

Each temporary girder stretches an impressive 33 metres in length and weighs a substantial 115 tonnes. The placement of the second girder is scheduled to take place later this month. Anticipated completion of the new bridge is set for late 2023.

Julian Richards, the General Manager of Major Construction Projects at NSW Projects, expressed gratitude to the ARTC and the teams of contractors for their efficient efforts in minimizing disruptions for motorists. The Australian Government is providing full funding of $400 million for this project, which aims to enhance access to global export markets through Port Botany, optimize freight supply chains across New South Wales, and alleviate truck congestion on local roads.

Richards emphasized that the project will not only increase freight capacity but also encourage greater reliance on rail transportation, leading to a reduction in truck movements and traffic congestion. Each additional freight train utilizing the Port Botany Rail Line can remove up to 54 trucks from the roads of Sydney. Richards expressed appreciation to motorists for their patience during the ongoing bridge construction works.

The comprehensive scope of the Botany Rail Duplication project includes the duplication of the remaining 2.9-kilometre section of the single line track to Port Botany, along with the construction of a passing loop on the Southern Sydney Freight Line at Cabramatta. This passing loop will facilitate the accommodation of freight trains up to an impressive length of 1,300 metres.

Preparations are currently underway for major works scheduled in August, which involve the demolition of the existing O’Riordan Street Bridge. Simultaneously, a new double-track concrete bridge will be constructed during a five-day rail shutdown.

Overall, the Botany Rail Duplication project continues to progress successfully and is expected to reach completion in 2024.