Stage 2: Maitland to Minimbah Third Track
This stage of the project will take place along approximately 29km of rail track between Maitland and Minimbah and will be completed in two phases.
The first phase involves the construction of a third track and associated infrastructure between Farley and Greta (the eastern end) and between Branxton and Minimbah (the western end). The track will run primarily along the northern side of the rail.
Phase 2 is for the track between Farley and Telarah and between Branxton and Greta. Construction of a third track in these areas has now been deferred pending an evaluation of the Phase 1 rail capacity, once it is completed.
Areas in Phase 2 will undergo significant track reconditioning over the next two years to ensure rail safety and reliability. Maintenance work will take place every few months during the scheduled track possessions. See the Reconditioning Works section for details on the next possession.
Other major associated infrastructure developments for this stage of the project include:
- Modification of two existing station platforms at Lochinvar and Belford
- Construction of overbridges at Hermitage Road and Station Lane
Construction on Hermitage Road & Station Lane Bridges
One of the most noticeable community benefits that will come from this project will be the construction of road bridges at Hermitage Road and Station Lane. These bridges will eliminate traffic delays at the rail crossings, as well as the noise of warning bells and safety horns. The bridges are separate construction jobs to the third track project and have approval in place already.
Designs and environmental assessments for the bridges have been approved at both a state and federal level and construction on both bridges is progressing well. See the Construction section for updates.