Update 5pm EST, 10 Dec: The track re-opened as scheduled just after 12pm WST this afternoon and the first trains are now passing over the track as planned. The first train was Perth-bound and passed through just after 1pm WST. We are now focused on working with our customers to manage the backlog of services as quickly and safely as possible.
Works have gone well over the last two days and ARTC can confirm that the track between Rawlinna and Naretha (WA) will reopen around midday today (WST) allowing a return of East-West rail freight services.
Ballast and rail was laid yesterday as planned and the track has been compacted and stabilised (tamped) overnight and this morning along with final rail welding work.
Final checks and testing are taking place this morning before operations can resume.
ARTC will be piloting trains through under manual supervision initially and then rail services will be travelling under temporary speed restriction to ensure the safety of services. We will continue to monitor the track over coming weeks.
We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience during this incident recovery – we appreciate this has occurred at a very busy time of year.
We will now focus on working through the backlog of services with our customers to ensure freight gets to its destination as quickly and safely as possible.
There are some final wagon removal tasks to take place, but this is clear of the track deviation and will not affect operations resuming.
ENDS
Media Contact: Bas Bolyn – 0477 340 658
Nb. This will be the last formal update from ARTC on this incident apart from a short note to say the first trains went through ok later today.