Part of the Australian Rail Track Corporations (ARTC) Minimbah Bank Third Track project, the bridges will allow for an increase in rail capacity by reducing the incline at the Minimbah bank.

ARTC general manager Tim Ryan said that the entire 32km, $134million line upgrade will see rail capacity keep ahead of demands for Hunter Valley coal and that more improvements and upgrades are expected in the area in the future.

“With around 170 million tonnes expected to come on the network this year, we have to be able to cope with that demand and keep on top of that as mine expansions continue,” he said.

Federal Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon officially opened the bridges and said the project can not be understated for the jobs and infrastructure it provides for the local community.

“The Minimbah Bank Third Track project is primarily about boosting capacity on the rail corridor to allow more coal to be transported to the Port of Newcastle,” he said.

“I congratulate the alliance partners on the efficient way in which they have moved forward on the project.

“Today we have overcome problems associated with rail travel.

“Instead of a steep climb up Minimbah Bank, which slows down the trains, the new track will have a more gradual climb enabling trains to maintain better speeds, reducing journey times and increasing locomotive efficiency.”

Mayor of Singleton Sue Moore said that with the number of coal mines that are continuing to expand their operations, coal mining is going to be in the area for at least the next 20 to 30years.

“You only have to take a trip to Newcastle to see the number of coal ships lined up waiting for coal to know that it is vital the demands are being met,” she said.

Cr Moore also commented on how fantastic it is to see that parts of the project are being completed on time, as initially promised.

The two bridges are also expected to improve road safety through the elimination of level crossings.

While the official opening of Range Road was also undertaken on Wednesday, traffic is not expected to use the road until the middle of next week.