February 8, 2018
Work has begun on a $48 million upgrade of the rail line along the Toowoomba Range.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the project would involve increasing the height of 11 rail tunnels on the Toowoomba and Little Liverpool Ranges to allow the transport of larger shipping containers by rail from the Darling Downs directly to the Port of Brisbane.
The tunnels will be modified to allow 9’6” high cube freight containers to pass through them; standard containers are 8’6″ tall.
The taller containers are increasingly being used to export goods.
To help protect the Heritage-listed tunnels, the floors inside each tunnel will be lowered.
“The tunnels are stone and brick lined and were constructed in the 1860s on Australia’s first main rail line through the Great Dividing Range,” Mr Bailey said.
“This project will strike a balance between maintaining the heritage status of the tunnels, while providing the modern day upgrade that is required.”
He said the project would not only help to support the growth and prosperity of Queensland’s agricultural sector, it would also provide a welcome boost to the local construction industry.
“Foundation and preparation works have commenced with further preparation works to be undertaken during a scheduled track closure of the western rail line at the end of February.
“The first tunnels will be lowered during a major track closure in April.”
