Port rail project progresses with opening of new road

PORT of Melbourne’s Port Rail Transformation Project has reached a new milestone with the opening of a road that will facilitate container transport. The new road, Intermodal Way, is a permanent two-way port vehicle road connecting dock Link Road and Mullaly Close/Coode Road. Intermodal Way is expected to provide uninterrupted east-west access for the movement of containers between Dock Link Road and the wider port area.

Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon said Intermodal Way is a key component of the Port Rail Transformation Project. The Port Rail Transformation Project involves constructing a new rail terminal interfacing with the Swanson Dock East International Container Terminal. The rail terminal includes two new sidings that can handle 600-metre long trains.

Common user rail infrastructure will also be upgraded. “We are proud of the progress we have made with the PRTP and are excited to see the benefits it will bring to the port and the wider community,” Mr Cannon said. “This is important progress on meeting the growing demand for better rail freight solutions and will enable more containers to be moved by rail more efficiently, bypassing roads in inner Melbourne.”

The name Intermodal Way is intended as a reflection of how maritime, rail and road freight modes converge at the port.