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Track Upgrades Keep Tocumwal Freight Trains Rolling On

23 March 2018

One of Victoria’s most important freight lines is undergoing a $9 million upgrade north of Shepparton.

V/Line is completing improvement works near Numurkah on the Tocumwal freight line, including the replacement of 30,000 timber sleepers.

In addition to the sleeper replacements, crews are also undertaking maintenance works on five level crossings, as well as mud hole removal along sections of the line.

About 60 staff and contractors are involved in the works, which will ensure the ongoing upkeep of the freight corridor.

The sleeper replacement program will continue until mid-April, with the total package of works to be completed in mid-May.

V/Line also completed safety improvement works at 46 crossings on the line last year, totalling $1.5 million.

Numurkah is on the broad gauge freight line between Tocumwal and Shepparton and is a critical transport link for farmers and freight operators.

This is in addition to the $10 million for the Shepparton Freight Network Planning as part of the Regional Rail Revival, jointly funded with the Australian Government.

This funding will identify infrastructure improvements to enhance freight capacity in the Greater Shepparton region.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

“We’re investing in the future of Victoria’s rail freight network, with these critical upgrades ensuring local farmers can continue to get their produce from paddock to port safely and efficiently.”

“Crews will replace around 900 sleepers a day over the next month. While this program is underway, V/Line is taking the opportunity to complete other improvements to the track and crossings along the line.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp

“The Tocumwal freight line is an important part of the freight network and we’re providing V/Line with the funding its needs to complete regular improvement works.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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