This study is one of a series concerned with the evaluation of upgrading options for inter-capital rail links in Australia.

Analysis indicated that the Sydney to Brisbane line is already exhibiting signs of congestion and, given the expected traffic growth, will become seriously congested in the mid-1980s unless upgrading action is taken. The range of upgrading options considered include grade easement, centralised traffic control and crossing loop extensions.

• Mainline Upgrading–Evaluation of a Range of Options for the Sydney–Brisbane Rail Link
  
  report_029.pdf
  (2.18 MB)

In this Report a number of options for the railway line between Adelaide and Serviceton have been evaluated. This work complements that previously undertaken on the Melbourne to Serviceton link.

There appears to be little likelihood of congestion on this link sufficient to justify major upgrading within the next twenty years although some minor loop extensions and the introduction of Centralised Traffic Control are justified now. There is no economic justification for any of the Project Peregrine schemes considered for the Adelaide Hills sections.

• Mainline Upgrading–Evaluation of a Range of Options for the Adelaide to Serviceton Rail Link
  
  report_030.pdf
  (2.18 MB)

The Government rail systems in Australia provide a number of intersystem rail passenger services which cater for intra and interstate travellers. These services are potentially important sources of income for the rail systems concerned.

This Report presents the results of a study of the profitability of the East-West rail passenger services specifically covering the Indian Pacific and Trans Australian trains.

• Study of East–West Rail Passenger Services: The 'Indian Pacific' and 'Trans Australian'
  
  report_031.pdf
  (4.89 MB)

For the purposes of this study the east-west rail link across Australia was considered in sections: Sydney to Broken Hill, Broken Hill to Port Pirie (including Adelaide to Peterborough and Adelaide to Port Pirie), The Port Pirie Bogie Exchange and Port Pirie to Kalgoorlie.

For each section the study procedure adopted was similar to that used in previous BTE studies with possible upgrading options evaluated in light of the forecast growth in traffic. Upgradings were evaluated from both a commercial and a resource cost point of view.

• Mainline Upgrading–Evaluation of a Range of Options for the Trans Australia Link
  
  report_035.pdf
  (6.97 MB)

The production and export of wheat is important for Australia and its storage and transport represents a significant load on domestic resources. This report presents the results of a study of the costs of transporting the wheat harvest from the production areas to the ports in order to meet both domestic and international demand.

• Transportation of the Australian Wheat Harvest
  
  report_038.pdf
  (8.8 MB)

The study is based on analysis of all wagon movements in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and on the ComRail system (as it was then) for the month of May 1974. Data editing and analysis has resulted in a detailed assessment of wagon utilisation dissected by wagon type and commodity or traffic carried.

• Railway Freight Operations: Survey of Wagon Utilisation
  
  op_023a.pdf
  (7.12 MB)

This Report is the last of a series on railway mainline upgrading options and covers the evaluation of options for upgrading the standard gauge link between Kalgoorlie and Perth.

The evaluation of upgrading options differs in this case from those previously reported, in that no capacity constraints are envisaged, but severe and continuing track deterioration has occurred between Koolyanobbing and Kwinana as a result of heavy axle loads in the iron ore and wheat trades. Thus the upgrading requirements in this case are concerned with the use of heavy rail and high standard track rather than the capacity to run more trains.

• Mainline Upgrading–Evaluation of a Range of Options for the Kalgoorlie–Perth Rail Link
  
  report_039.pdf
  (3.33 MB)

The uncompleted Sandy Hollow-Maryvale railway in New South Wales has a somewhat chequered history. It was finally begun in 1936 after inquiries stretching back to 1911. Construction was slowed to almost a standstill by World War II, accelerated in the early post war years and then abandoned in 1951 due to a shortage of capital.

Subsequent moves to complete the railway foundered in the face of unfavourable economic assessment.

This report presents the results of an economic benefit-cost analysis of a recent proposal for the completion of the railway against the background of the discovery of massive proven coal reserves along the line.

• Sandy Hollow–Maryvale Railway: Economic Evaluation of Proposed Completion
  
  report_043.pdf
  (4.51 MB)

The study identifies and measures the transport task undertaken for the principal rural products in terms of three variables: tonnes consigned, tonne kilometres performed and freight charges paid by the users. It is considered the study provides valuable insights into the nature and size of the rural product transport task in Australia.

• Estimates of the Task of Transporting Principal Rural Products in Australia in 1975–76
  
  ip_005.pdf
  (5.48 MB)

This Paper reviews the current practice for the design of conventional railway track. Current track design practice has historically developed slowly and is predominantly based upon years of operating experience. Consequently many of the developed design expressions are at best semi empirical in nature. The scope of this report is confined to the design of the track structure above the level of the formation, i.e., rails, sleepers and ballast.

• Railway Track Design: A Review of Current Practice
  
  op_035.pdf
  (13.15 MB)