The Parkes to Narromine (P2N) section was the first of 13 sections on the Inland Rail Program to be completed. The P2N project involved upgrading 98.4km of existing rail track and construction of 5.3km of new rail near Parkes. Included in the project was the demolition of all existing infrastructure and a full rebuild of the civil, rail and signaling within the rail corridor.

The majority of P2N works was in a brownfield environment and involved the upgrade of all existing corridor infrastructure, including demolition / removal of all level crossings, culverts and drainage structures, track sleepers and ballast, formation, level crossings and signalling infrastructure, replacement and upgrade of all public and private level crossings, construction of new formation, installation of new ballast, concrete sleepers and 60kg rail, three new crossing loops within the existing rail corridor, upgrade of existing sidings, installation and commissioning of new signalling infrastructure, signage, fencing, landscaping and RMAR.

P2N was delivered by the INLink Joint Venture that consisted of Fulton Hogan and its partner, headed by Gerard O’Connor – Project Director from Fulton Hogan, who collaborated with ARTC and stakeholders to resolve key planning / approvals, resourcing / logistical, design and extreme weather issues.

The project (not initially an ISCA project), also produced outstanding sustainability results in collaboration with ARTC and the local community/industry.