Teams of specialist engineers and environmental advisers have begun work on identifying and investigating the design, safety and conservation issues associated with the proposed Maldon to Dombarton Rail Link.
The work now being undertaken will help get the project ‘shovel ready’ and includes assessing the structural integrity of the line’s partially constructed sections.
The work of the consultants will also be used to secure the necessary planning and environmental approvals.
The government aims to have all preconstruction activities wrapped up in time for the project to be considered for possible inclusion in the next round of road and rail construction programs, due to start in mid-2014.”
The project would involve laying thirty five kilometres of standard gauge track connecting Port Kembla directly to the Main North-South Line via Dombarton and include two passing loops, new bridges over the Nepean and CordeauxRivers and one of Australia’s longest tunnels.
NSW Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay said ecologists were inspecting the flora and fauna and monitoring nocturnal activity.
“Aquatic ecologists are looking at the fish, insects and water organisms in the nearby creeks, rivers and waterholes while a team of heritage experts are reviewing Aboriginal heritage within the study area,” said Mr Gay.
“The engineering team is focusing on design and related safety issues associated with operating diesel-hauled freight trains through a four-kilometre long tunnel.
“They are also surveying the connecting ends of the line, assessing the condition of the embankments, drainage and cuttings and potential construction sites along the corridor.”
