2009 – Nov – Hawes & Magyla – Sydney Metropolitan Freight Network

Eddie Hawes HTEC, TMIEAust CEngT, IEng, MIRSE, MIET, GCCI AECOM Dr Tomas Magyla PhD, MSc(Hons), BSc, MIRSE, AIPM, APM, MIET, MAET AECOM The paper describes the proposed solutions currently in development, to provide for the separation of signalling and control functionality of the Metropolitan Freight Network from RailCorp to ARTC – to be integrated as part of the existing Network Control Centre South, at Junee. The concept of operation is being revised with the introduction of dedicated 650 m shuttle trains that will operate between the ports and various freight yards in the outer Sydney suburbs. Trains will operate in ‘push-pull’ mode with a locomotive at each end. To facilitate this, the layouts at Botany Yard, Cooks River and Mascot are being remodelled and extensively re-signalled. The paper explores the various options and associated technologies considered for the signalling of the revised layouts. The selection of the current preferred solution is detailed, including the control system link arrangements both to the ARTC and RailCorp systems. Key to implementation of the project is agreement with RailCorp on the interfaces between the two networks and cognisance of the operational issues and requirements associated with the two networks operating concurrently along the shared corridor between Marrickville and Campsie.