Narrabri to Turrawan rail line inspected ahead of $44.7 million upgrade

Last December, funding was announced for the Australian Rail Track Corporation to improve 35 kilometres of the line which will allow better linkage between the Hunter Valley Coal Network and Inland Rail.

The upgrade will allow heavy capacity trains to access the Port of Newcastle from the Inland Rail.

Mr McCormack, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, said that will in turn drive down costs and improve the competitiveness of Australian exports.

"The project will replace steel and timber sleepers with heavy-duty concrete ones, upgrade critical level crossings and improve the rail quality on the Narrabri Coal Junction to Turrawan section, as well as the Turrawan to Narrabri North section," he said.

"Our strong investments in region-defining rail projects like this are all about getting our farmers' world-leading produce to market."

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Mr Coulton was also spruiking the project, stating the enhancements would be crucial in dealing with the heavier coal wagons.

It will also bring them on par with the rail at the Narrabri Coal Mine which has a higher gauge of steel than the current Narrabri to Turrawan link, and concrete sleepers.

The federal Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government thanked his colleagues for supporting the area.

"During my recent visit to the Port of Newcastle, it was clear to see the many benefits of our freight rail investments, so it's with great excitement we inspect the upgrade site in Narrabri today," he said.

"I'm proud to be part of a Government that is investing in regional communities and creating the environment for regions to grow and prosper, including the North West."

The project will deliver an improved corridor capable of 25 Tonne Axle Load (TAL) trains going at 80 km/h to replace the current ageing, 20.5 TAL track.