Inland Rail: First track laid between Illabo and Stockinbingal

THE first section of new rail track has been laid on Inland Rail’s Illabo to Stockinbingal project, marking a major milestone as construction gathers momentum across the region.

The first track was laid at Stockinbingal this week, with almost 75 per cent of the rail required for the project now delivered to construction sites.

The Illabo to Stockinbingal (I2S) section involves the construction of 39 kilometres of new rail track through the Junee Shire and Cootamundra regions.

Once complete, the new alignment will provide a direct route from Illabo to Stockinbingal via the existing Forbes line, bypassing Cootamundra and the steep and winding Bethungra Range, including the Bethungra Spiral.

Image: Inland Rail

Inland Rail says the I2S section is the largest section of new track to be delivered south of Parkes.

A number of other major works are also progressing across the project area.

Construction is underway on the new Burley Griffin Way rail overpass, with the associated road upgrade being delivered in stages to maintain traffic flow.

Road widening works have also been completed on Hibernia Street at Stockinbingal, while the new crossover and signalling infrastructure at Illabo Junction has been commissioned.

The Illabo Junction works will connect the existing rail network to the new Inland Rail alignment.

Image: Inland Rail

At Billabong Creek, bridge piling works have been completed, with earthworks continuing within the rail corridor.

The next major milestone is expected next week, with bridge girders scheduled to be installed on the Dirnaseer Road overbridge from October 10 to 11.

Dirnaseer Road will be closed between Frampton Road and Ironbong Road between 6am and 6pm each day as the girders are lifted into place.

The road will reopen overnight between closures.