The Environmental Assessment for the four kilometres of new track went on exhibition yesterday.

The project will include the construction, operation and maintenance of a new track and ancillary infrastructure adjacent to existing tracks on the main north line between Singleton and Camberwell.

The proposal also includes the provision of new maintenance vehicle access tracks on both sides of the rail corridor. It will include the relocation and installation of signalling infrastructure and changes to the Camberwell rail loop.

It will include the establishment of a biodiversity offset to compensate for the residual effects of vegetation clearing resulting from the proposal.

A new third track will allow two trains to be on the bank at the same time on separate tracks without the risk of one train needing to come to a halt because of the other.

The proposed track will cut the headway time by half. The reduction in the steep climb with the export coal volume predictions of 191 million tonnes by 2019 is met.

The line work will occur approximately five kilometres before the infamous ‘hole in the wall’ and will not require any work or changes to the rail overpass.

The construction will create the equivalent of 55 full-time jobs.

Subject to planning approval the ARTC expects construction to commence mid 2011 and for the third track to be operational by 2013.

The environmental assessment can be viewed at the Singleton Council administration in Queen Street, Singleton Public Library or online at majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au .

Submissions must be received by the department of planning by close of business on May 2, 2011.