By 1967, interest in a transcontinental route had revived again. Extension of the route then in existence was one of three options considered, but a route far to the west, largely free of flood events, was chosen. Construction of the current 828 km (515 mi) kilometre line from Tarcoola to Alice Springs began in April 1975, opening in October 1980; the CAR closed shortly after. By then, the NAR had closed (in June 1976) following the closure of the iron ore mine at Frances Creek.