Construction commences on Karara railway

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said today work had begun on the Karara iron ore railway in the State’s Mid-West region.

Construction of the new freight line followed the passing of enabling legislation in State Parliament earlier this year.
 
“The project involves laying 79 kilometres of single-line narrow-gauge track on dual gauge sleepers between the Karara mine, 300 kilometres north-east of Perth, and Tilley, just north of Morawa,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The work will also involve construction of a crossing loop, siding and a balloon, or end, loop at the mine site.

"The new line will connect with the existing State-owned, WestNet-managed freight line at Tilley, providing rail access from Karara right through to the port of Geraldton, and ultimately, to the future Oakajee Port.”

Construction is being co-ordinated by Karara Mining Ltd (KML) on behalf of Gindalbie Metals and China’s Ansteel.  KML is completing the work under the supervision of the Public Transport Authority on behalf of the State Government.

The new line is expected to start operation in mid-2011.