AUSTRALIA: The New South Wales government has appointed SMEC Australia to investigate the cost and ongoing viability of reviving the out of use 179 km Blayney – Demondrille railway for freight traffic.
This route forms part of the Cowra Lines network which closed in 2007-09 owing to safety concerns and low freight volumes. In 2014 the state called tenders for a concession to rehabilitate and operate the network, but it concluded that the two bidders were not able to demonstrate that this would be commercially sustainable.
Work to develop concepts for reopening will start in June and be completed next year. It will include surveys to determine reconstruction costs, as well as assessments of level crossings, drainage, loops and sidings to confirm what infrastructure would be required to meet current needs.
‘We know the Cowra Lines have potential to be a part of the NSW government’s plan for a strong regional rail network’, said Minister for Regional Transport & Roads Paul Toole when the contract with SMEC was announced on May 28. ‘A feasibility study has shown this line has the potential to be economically viable when freight capacity on the Main West is constrained in the future and to build improved resilience into the rail network. This next piece of work will help us understand exactly what it will take to reinstate the corridor.’
