RE: Wollongong-Sydney train tunnel could slash commute, report to NSW Cabinet says - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
  Noel Reed

An alternative to a new railway tunnel through the Illawarra escarpment which has many old coal mine workings would be to complete the Avon Tunnel and the Dombarton – Maldon line which is already partly built.

25Kv AC electrification which was intended for electrically hauled coal and freight trains through the tunnel would not now be needed.

The railway between Campbelltown and Maldon, then via the Avon Tunnel to Dombarton and Unanderra could be electrified at 1500v DC suitable for existing EMU trains and connected to the 1500 V DC network at each end.

Most limited stop electric interurban trains from Kiama and Wollongong could travel via Unanderra, Maldon and Campbelltown with limited stops. This would allow paths for more all stations passenger trains on the coastal route via Waterfall and Sutherland.

Diesel haulage for coal and freight trains is already the standard. The Avon Tunnel at Dombarton could be equipped with a ventilation system and doors at the portal to clear diesel exhaust similar to those at the West end of the Otira Tunnel on the Midland line in New Zealand.

The ventilation system would only need to be activated for north bound coal and freight trains.

Noel Reed.

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Sent: Tuesday, 27 June 2017 5:36 PM
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Subject: Re: [TramsDownUnder] Wollongong-Sydney train tunnel could slash commute, report to NSW Cabinet says - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)