Early works are soon set to start on the $150 million Maroona to Portland Re-sleepering Project.  

The project is intended to strengthen a key freight corridor in west Victoria and support the more efficient movement of goods to and from the Port of Portland.  

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will undertake enabling works for the upgrade, carrying out vegetation management along the rail corridor, improving sightlines at passive level crossings, and re-establishing access tracks.  

This groundwork will prepare the corridor for the main re-sleepering program, which will replace degraded timber sleepers with modern concrete sleepers and deliver targeted improvements to the 173-kilometre rail track between Maroona and Portland.  

Once finished, the upgrade will enable heavier freight loads and faster train speeds on the line, linking south-western Victoria, the Port of Portland and south east South Australia to the interstate network.   

The Maroona to Portland Re-sleepering Project forms part of ARTC’s Network Investment Program – a joint initiative with the Australian Government – to strengthen and future proof the nation’s rail infrastructure.  

Through the program, more than $1 billion is being invested over five years to 2030 to support the continued efficient movement of freight around the country.  

ARTC said it will continue to engage with stakeholders, local councils and the community as works progress.  

Katya Moskvina, ARTC Senior Project Manager, said: “The Maroona to Portland Re-sleepering Project will revitalise an important freight corridor that supports regional industries and export supply chains in Victoria’s west.  

“By replacing ageing timber sleepers with new concrete sleepers and improving the overall track condition, we’re optimising the line’s efficiency and operational reliability.   

“This investment will support more efficient rail freight, helping regional industries move their products to market while reducing pressure on local roads.”