Rails specialist GHD has been appointed to examine rail freight movements to and through Adelaide. Photo courtesy of GHD.

The Australian government has awarded a AUD3 million project to professional services company, GHD, to examine rail freight movements to and through Adelaide and surrounding areas.

The study aims to help develop a basis for long-term strategies to improve the efficiency of the national freight network and address the local community's concerns about noise, congestion and safety.

A project reference group including ARTC (Australian Rail Track Corporation), Freight Rail Operators Group and relevant local councils has been established to ensure consultation with key stakeholders and the community. A discussion paper setting out the various options is expected to be released by the end of July 2009, with the full study report completed by the end of October 2009.