A SECTION of the long awaited Sandy Hollow - Maryvale rail line, between Gulgong and Maryvale, is a step closer with the release of a feasibility study showing positive economic benefits.
State member for the Dubbo, Dugald Saunders, said the Gulgong to Maryvale rail link was part of the proposed line between Sandy Hollow and Maryvale that started to be built in the 1930s but was ultimately suspended in the early 1950s.
"I am pleased to announce the incomplete section of this line between Gulgong and Maryvale will now progress to a design and planning stage to complete the 72 kilometre missing link," Mr Saunders said.
"This work will include a detailed examination of existing infrastructure, its condition and accurate costings of building the link.
"This link has the potential to make moving freight between the Central West and the east coast easier, reducing journey times and connecting produce and products to new markets."
Mr Saunders said further discussions with industry and stakeholders will take place around the reactivation of the 93km Kandos to Gulgong link.
"More detailed work needs to be completed for this project, but the initial feasibility study has come back with a positive result based on committed freight volumes," Mr Saunders said.
The projects were assessed under the NSW Government's Fixing Country Rail program.
Fixing Country Rail is a $400 million Restart NSW program to improve the efficiency of rail, with projects that deliver multi-user benefits including line upgrades, rail reactivations, new sidings and loops and other infrastructure upgrades.
The Gulgong to Maryvale project will be recommended for design planning in the 2020/21 Fixing Country Rail budget.
An Executive Summary of the feasibility study into both lines can be found at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/freight-hub.
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