New passing loop at Burilda another boost for Hunter Valley rail corridor

The Hunter Valley Coal Chain is the chain of coal delivery in New South Wales, Australia from coal mines in the Hunter Valley to the Port of Newcastle and to domestic coal-fired power stations in the Hunter Valley. Photo: QR National.

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has continued its drive to enhance the efficient movement of coal along the Hunter Valley Coal corridor with the construction of a new passing loop at Burilda, between Werris Creek and Breeza.
The passing loop cost around $13.8 million and involved ARTC constructing new track to accommodate 82 wagon coal trains.
This significant infrastructure project required the installation of 1,520m of track including 60kg rail, digital signal technology and concrete sleepers.
The new loop will enable trains to pass each other on a single line section by providing a location for a train to pull aside and let another train pass at regular speed.
Construction took five months to complete.
ARTC CEO John Fullerton explained that the new passing loop at Burilda is a good example of the ongoing upgrade of the Hunter Valley rail corridor which is essential for the network to keep ahead of increasing demand for coal from the region.
“Demand for coal from the Hunter Valley is set to nearly double over the next 5 years. The construction of the new passing loop at Burilda will increase capacity on the rail network and ensure that the rail component of the Hunter Valley Coal Chain remains ahead of forecast increases in market demand,” Mr Fullerton said.
“Put simply, these projects are designed to help get more coal to port more efficiently.”
“There is more to be done. ARTC will push forward with our development of the Hunter Valley rail corridor with new passing loops and other infrastructure upgrades, including the Minimbah to Maitland Third Track and the Nundah Bank Third Track projects.”
ARTC has formed two alliances that have been engaged to collaboratively deliver a program of works within the Upper Hunter Valley which includes the Burilda Passing Loop Project.
UHVA will perform the design and construction of the track and civil component of the Project. The UHVA Alliance comprises of ARTC, Leighton Contractors, Parsons Brinkerhoff, Coffey and KMH Environmental.
AANCSA will perform the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of the signalling component of the Project. The AANCSA alliance comprises of ARTC and Ansaldo STS with civil installation works going out to tender.