The Botany Rail Duplication project involved the duplication of the remaining 2.9km section of single line track into Port Botany, allowing freight to be moved more efficiently.
The project has increased capacity on the Botany Line and wider Metropolitan Freight Network, with one train able to move around the same amount of containers as 54 trucks.
This will continue to encourage a shift in freight from road to rail, helping to reduce truck movements and associated traffic congestion.
ARTC delivered the project on behalf of the Australian Government to:
Alleviate constraints and increase the capacity of Sydney’s freight rail network to meet existing and future demands
Provide increase operational efficiency, flexibility and reliability for freight customers support current NSW government targets to increase the rail mode share
Support connection to, and operation of, intermodal terminals to meet their targeted freight capacity.
With the completed Cabramatta Loop Project, the Botany Rail Duplication has provided additional capacity to help meet predicted growth in container freight transport between Port Botany and metropolitan intermodal terminals.
About the project
Track duplication – constructed a new track within the rail corridor for a distance of 2.9km
Track realignment and upgrade – moved some of the track sideways to make room for the new track
New crossovers – constructed to allow trains options to move between tracks
Bridge works – constructed new rail bridges at Mill Stream, Southern Cross Drive, O’Riordan Street and Robey Street
Embankment/retaining structures – constructed new embankment and retaining structures.
Ancillary work included bi-directional signalling upgrades, drainage work and protecting/relocating utilities.
Major construction started in early 2022 and the project was commissioned in January 2024. Some finishing works took place following commissioning.
