en.Wedoany.com Reported - Arc Infrastructure has commenced upgrades on the Midland Line, replacing wooden sleepers and reinforcing track structure to increase the line's axle load capacity from 16 tonnes to 19 tonnes, boosting grain capacity per train by 25%.

The upgrade covers approximately 78 kilometers of track between Carnamah and Mingenew in Western Australia's Mid West grain-growing region. The project will replace existing wooden sleepers with around 55,000 modern concrete and steel sleepers to withstand higher axle loads and improve operational efficiency.

The Midland Line is a key component of Western Australia's grain export supply chain. Each year, CBH Group uses this corridor to transport approximately 500,000 tonnes of grain to the Geraldton Port, connecting Mid West growers with global markets. By increasing the capacity per train, the upgrade is expected to streamline grain handling processes and reduce freight costs for local growers.

Western Australia's Minister for Agriculture and Food, and the Mid West, Jackie Jarvis, stated that these works will support the region's role in international grain exports. Western Australia's Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, noted that the Midland Line plays a significant role in the state's freight network, and the upgrade will enable more grain to be transported by rail, improving productivity and delivering greater returns for growers.

The upgrade is funded by the AU$200 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements program. The Australian Government contributes AU$160 million to the program, with the Western Australian Government contributing AU$40 million. For the Midland Line project, both levels of government have provided AU$45 million through the program for design and construction materials, while Arc Infrastructure contributes AU$22 million for construction. Following consultation with CBH, the line has been temporarily closed, and the project is expected to be completed early next year.

The Midland Line upgrade is part of a broader investment plan for Western Australia's grain-growing regions. Other agricultural supply chain improvement projects include rail siding upgrades already completed in Cranbrook, Moora, Brookton, Broomehill, and Konnongorring.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, stated that the program focuses on enhancing transport capacity from farm to port. She noted that through the program, greater capacity and efficiency are being built to move Western Australia's grain from farms to ports.