Benefits from Curve Easing - a Straight Track Study

The 'Straight Track Study' was completed for Queensland Transport and gives estimates of the additional freight train operating costs, track maintenance costs and external costs that result from track imposed speed constraints at locations with tight radius of curvature for a standard freight train moving between Landsborough and Townsville. Operating costs for slowing down freight trains are calculated using parameters from an earlier Smooth Running Study completed for Queensland Transport. The main costs are those of the additional time taken by the crew, locomotives, and wagons, the cost of braking to reduce speed and the cost of the extra fuel needed for the train to regain speed. The cumulative effects of the speed constraints on a 100 km/h standard freight train between Landsborough and Townsville were found to be approximately $2600 per haul. Estimates of extra track maintenance costs from speed restrictions and estimates for increased maintenance costs on sections of track with tight radius curves were also derived from the Smooth Running Study. These costs were estimated as approximately $200 for each standard freight train trip between Landsborough and Townsville. For each tonne of line haul freight a more competitive rail operator could attract, external land freight transport costs would reduce by approximately $16 per tonne.