Nationals MPs discuss Inland Rail with the ARTC
The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, and Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, have hosted the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) at Parliament to discuss upcoming Inland Rail works across the region.
With the Tottenham to Albury phase of the 1700km project underway, works across Victoria will continue over the next few years, with associated road infrastructure upgrades set to ramp up in 2025 to cater for double storey freight trains utilising the line.
Ms Broad said it was encouraging to hear the ARTC’s plans to provide communities along the rail line the chance to have their say.
“The ARTC has a massive job delivering Inland Rail, with Victoria a major part of this project,” Ms Broad said.
“It’s clear they are eager to place local voices at the centre of their decision making, particularly where bridges, roads and underpasses need to be adjusted.
“When delivered in full, Inland Rail will be a huge boost for regional economies, increasing productivity and connecting Eastern Australia.
“I look forward to working closely with the ARTC to support the delivery of this project while ensuring the wishes of our regional communities are heard and respected.”
Lower House MP Annabelle Cleeland said the next phase of works will impact towns across central and northern Victoria.
“Tranche 1 sites include some works across the North-East of Victoria including at Glenrowan, Wangaratta and the Murray Valley Highway at Barnawartha North,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Wangaratta upgrades are particularly complex with a vehicle underpass, bridge replacement, track works, a pedestrian underpass and signal work all forming part of the upgrades.
“The Wangaratta upgrades are hopefully occurring very shortly, towards the middle of the year.”
Ms Cleeland outlined the timeline for Inland Rail works in the Euroa electorate.
“ARTC is engaging with the communities in Benalla and Euroa right now, with alterations needing to be made to the current infrastructure,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Once these works are complete, we will see phase 2 kick into gear with towns like Seymour and Broadford impacted.
“This will involve the heightening of multiple bridges in these communities which will cause some obstruction to traffic.
“This is expected to occur in 2025, with ARTC putting in plenty of work now to get these designs right to minimise disruption and create the best outcome for our communities.
“ARTC is always open to feedback, and I encourage people right across our region to have their say as these works progress.”