The Northern Sydney Freight Corridor aimed to reduce delays and increase capacity by providing additional train paths.

The delivery of the NSFC projects was managed by Transport for NSW, with the exception of the Hexham freight loop which was delivered in June 2012 by the Australian Rail Track Corporation.

Prior to the completion of the North Strathfield underpass, southbound trains that would be heading west were required to cross the northbound track via a flat junction.

In addition, 850 metres of disused southbound track between Concord West and Strathfield was brought back into use and extended 2.4 km northwards.

[12][13][14] The line was electrified, and although additional platform faces were built at Cheltenham and Pennant Hills, it is not planned to be used by stopping passenger trains however will provide for some flexibility in case of service disruptions.

[16] This project involved the construction of two passing loops and six bridges on either side of the existing rail line between Gosford and Narara stations.

[19] This project completed in June 2012, involved construction of a 1,500 metre refuge loop on the northern side of the Sydney bound main line west of Hexham station.