Port of Melbourne has officially announced the start of the Port Rail Transformation Project (PRTP), aiming to enable more containers to be moved by rail more efficiently, omitting roads in inner Melbourne.
The project involves the development and construction of a new rail terminal, which includes two new sidings that can handle 600 metre long trains and is interfacing with the Swanson Dock East International Container Terminal.
For the uninterrupted movement of containers between the new rail terminal and the wider Swanson Dock precinct, a new road will be constructed, according to a Port of Melbourne’s statement.
Oceania’s major port has engaged Australian-owned infrastructure construction and engineering company Seymour Whyte Constructions for the development of the project.
Hence, PRTP which is scheduled to be completed by the middle of 2023, is projected to increase rail terminal capacity and improve operations at the Port of Melbourne.
PRTP will provide the port side infrastructure to welcome future metropolitan shuttles through the Victorian Government’s Port Rail Shuttle Network, according to a statement.
Around 94% of Victoria’s import containers are destined for metropolitan Melbourne, but no freight is currently moved on the metropolitan rail freight network.
This project is part of Port of Melbourne’s 2050 Port Development Strategy, which defines the critical infrastructure needed to support the economic growth of Victoria.
