Higher axle-load boosts rail freight capacity

A typical 650-metre loaded train can carry more than $1.3 million worth of grain — the equivalent of 50 loaded semi-trailers.

The upgrade affects four grain terminals and ensures Pacific National can continue to move large grain volumes into the Port of Melbourne.

Pacific National chief executive officer Paul Scurrah said the company had moved 200,000 tonnes of grain on the Shepparton-Tocumwal line in the past 12 months.

“(This) is the equivalent to removing more than 3700 trucks off Victoria’s road network,” Mr Scurrah said.

“Hauling more bulk grain by trains means fewer trucks on country roads, improving safety and reducing emissions.”

Previously the axle-load on the track was 19 tonnes, but it’s now officially 20 tonnes and expected to grow as more work is scheduled.

The Victorian Budget 2022-23 earmarked $181 million for critical regional rail freight maintenance work.