Project profile
Slow moving freight trains currently delay passenger services on the Main North Line. To address this issue, two passing loops (northbound and southbound) were constructed between Gosford and Narara Stations, to allow freight trains to wait whilst passenger services pass.
This will assist in improving freight access through northern Sydney and the Central Coast, relieve a serious bottleneck, create a more efficient freight rail network and improve the reliability of passenger services on the Main North Line.
Key features
The key features of the project include:
- construction of two new passing loops on both sides of the existing rail line between Gosford and Narara Stations
- construction of six new rail under bridges over Brady’s Gully, Wingello Creek and Wyoming Creek to accommodate the new tracks
- establishment of maintenance access roads and gates
- removal of existing maintenance sidings and sections of track not required
- modifications to the existing signalling and communications system
- associated overhead wiring, civil and structural works
View the Gosford Passing Loop map (pdf 69KB)
Project status
The Gosford Passing Loops Project was approved in October 2012.
The project was completed in April 2015.
Gosford Glow Path
The upgrade to the 400 metre path between Brooks Avenue and Manns Road used a technological first that makes a normal concrete path glow in the dark. The project team used an innovative product that absorbs sunlight during the day and glows at night. The path is made from a combination of Australian aggregate and a natural non-toxic ‘glow in the dark’ mineral, phosphorous zinc sulphide.
The minerals used in the ‘glow path’ absorb the ultra-violet light from sunlight and the path glows softly during the evening for 8 to 14 hours.
The ‘glow in the dark’ footpath has been installed on an existing path through bushland at Narara Creek, and connects Manns Road with Brooks Avenue, encouraging pedestrians and cyclists to cross under the rail bridge safely.
Environment
Approvals
Following consideration of a Review of Environmental Factors and Submission Report, the Gosford Passing Loops project was approved in October 2012, under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).
The Review of Environmental Factors and the Submissions Report for Gosford Passing Loops Projects are available to download below:
Condition of Approval (pdf 112KB) (Update as at 10 March 2014)
Submissions Report (pdf 5.6MB)
Submissions Report Appendix A (pdf 141KB)
Submissions Report Appendix B Part One (pdf 7.4MB)
Submissions Report Appendix B Part Two (pdf 7.4MB)
Submissions Report Appendix C (pdf 626KB)
Submissions Report Appendix D (pdf 8.9MB)
REF Part 1 (pdf 5.2MB)
REF Part 2 (pdf 4.96MB)
Tech Paper 1 Environmental Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (pdf 4.6MB)
Tech Paper 2 Ecological Impact Sssessment Part 1 (pdf 3.96MB)
Tech Paper 2 Ecological Impact Assessment Part 2 (pdf 3.57MB)
Tech Paper 2 Ecological Impact Assessment Part 3 (pdf 3.2MB)
Tech Paper 3 Traffic and Transport Assessment (pdf 4.83MB)
Tech Paper 4 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (pdf 1.9MB)
Tech Paper 5 Aboriginal Archaeological Impact Assessment (pdf 5.7MB)
Tech Paper 6 Non-Indigenous Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (pdf 4.7MB)
Tech Paper 7 Air Quality Impact Assessment (pdf 2.79MB)
Environmental management
Management of environmental issues on the Gosford Passing Loops project is undertaken in the construction phase by the contractors responsible for each component of the project.
Environmental Compliance Report
Environmental Compliance Reports are completed every six months. The reports provide a record of compliance with the Construction Environmental Management Plan and the Transport for NSW Conditions of Approval.
Copies of these reports are available upon request. Please email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au to request a copy.
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