About the project

This project reactivated five kilometres of non-operational rail line, between West Tamworth to Westdale, to allow rail access for the planned Tamworth Freight Rail Facility.

Initial funding from NSW Government's Restart NSW fund of $7.42 million was announced in November 2017.

Rail line reinstatement was carried out by John Holland Rail on behalf of Transport for NSW in partnership with Council and the Department of Regional NSW.

The facility aims to encourage new industry opportunities, facilitate economic development and support the shift in moving freight from road to rail.

Permanent pedestrian crossing closure, Mahony Ave

Following community and stakeholder consultation undertaken in 2020, the pedestrian level crossing between Gunnedah Road and Bridge Street will be permanently closed as of 31 July 2021.

The permanent closure of the pedestrian level crossing was gazetted on 11 June 2021.

The reason for the closure is primarily one of safety. An extensive train shunting sequence is required to enable trains to navigate through the West Tamworth rail yard onto the reactivated line. These movements introduce an unacceptable safety risk for pedestrians and cyclists.

For more information, refer to Transport for NSW update available in the Document Library below.

Work area map

work area map

Frequently Asked Questions

Reactivation of the rail line will allow rail access to our freight terminal to be located near Goddard Lane.

Once complete, the project, including the development of the rail freight facility, will:

  • Encourage new industry opportunities;
  • Support and facilitate economic development industry and employment opportunities
  • Support the shift in moving freight from road to rail.

The rail line component of the project includes:

  • Replacement of about 5km of railway track and ballast between West Tamworth and Westdale;
  • Track and signal works at the Intermodal site
  • Restoration/replacement of four culverts;
  • Restoration/replacement of four bridge structures;
  • Upgrading level crossings at Gunnedah Road, Evans Street and Dampier Street.
  • Upgrade or closure of pedestrian level crossing between Bridge Street and Gunnedah Road
  • Intersection upgrade at intersection of Wallamore Road and Evans Street
  • High voltage power relocation near new rail line
  • Gas main protection slab near rail line

The early works include:

  • Installation of fencing and access gates along 5km of existing rail corridor;
  • Removal of infrastructure such as existing rail and sleepers; and,
  • Procurement of rail and sleepers.

The early works are being completed by John Holland Rail on behalf of Transport for NSW.

Early work to establish the site began in May 2020 with main construction to begin in late 2020.

Construction works to enable rail services to operate are currently scheduled to be completed in September 2021 with commissioning and signalling work due to finish in 2022 (subject to final approvals and weather conditions).

Transport for NSW and John Holland Rail take environmental issues seriously and measures will be in place to minimise dust and erosion impacts during construction activities.

This will include avoiding dust generating work on windy days, where possible, and using water carts for dust suppression.

They have also committed to establishing dedicated parking areas for their workforce to minimise impacts on the local environment and local roads.