General News
23 March, 2026
Rail line works to commence
AS part of the Portland to Maroona re-sleepering project, work will begin shortly on vegetation management and rail access improvements.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation will complete the works on more than seventy passive and active level crossings along the length of the line.
Spanning over one hundred and seventy kilometres of track, the hundred-and fifty-million-dollar Australian government funded project will replace timber sleepers with durable concrete ones.
In order to improve visibility and allow access, the ARTC said vegetation will be removed along access tracks and the line itself.
The access tracks will also have work done to re-establish alignments, grade and compact the existing surfaces to remove ruts, washouts and potholes, and where necessary, import material.
Local residents have been advised they may notice construction vehicles, minor noise from machinery and equipment, and temporary traffic management at some level crossings.
The project is to commence in late March around Willaura and be completed by the end of June.
The upgrade is expected to provide significant benefits to freight transport and the surrounding region.
The reliability and productivity of the line will be improved by removing Temporary Speed Restrictions, increasing axle loads, and enhancing network safety and efficiency.
This in turn will strengthen supply chains, reduce reliance on road transport, and improve export competitiveness for regional producers. It also supports emission reduction targets by promoting rail over road freight.