Region. More power for Western Express

The $870 million being spent on a network upgrade for the new $4.5 billion Western Express project, between Western Sydney and Wynyard, is unlikely to be enough to power them, according to The Daily Telegraph. Premier Kristine Keneally announced earlier this year the project would use dedicated lines to fast-track commuters from the west on 10 or 12-car trains. New substations and more than 60 kilometres of overhead wiring are planned to stop the network collapsing if too many trains are in use at the same time. Other works include platform extensions at Emu Plains, Penrith, Kingswood, Werrington, St Marys, Mount Druitt and Blacktown stations; stabling extensions at Emu Plains and Flemington; and track revamps at Homebush, Strathfield and St Marys.