| Fortescue railway | |
|---|---|
 Three GE Dash 9-44CWs haul a train across the Turner River in July 2008 | |
| Overview | |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Pilbara, Western Australia |
| Termini | |
| Service | |
| Type | Heavy rail |
| System | Pilbara |
| Operator(s) | Fortescue Metals Group |
| Depot(s) | Thomas Yard |
| History | |
| Opened | 5 April 2008 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 620 km (385 mi) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) |
The Fortescue railway, owned and operated by Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), is a private rail network in the Pilbara region of Western Australia built to carry iron ore. It opened in 2008.[1] When it was completed, it was the heaviest haul railway in the world, designed for 40 tonne axle loads, 2.5 to 5 tonnes heavier than the other Pilbara iron ore rail systems.[1] On 4 November 2014, FMG Rail commenced trialling 42-tonne axle loads.
In addition to the FMG line, a number of other networks operate in the region. Rio Tinto operate the Hamersley & Robe River railway,[2] BHP operates the Goldsworthy and Mount Newman railways and Hancock Prospecting the Roy Hill railway.[3]
- ^ a b Port and Rail Infrastructure Archived 22 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine Fortescue Metals Group
- ^ Rail Rio Tinto
- ^ Rail BHP