- Significant packages of work to be delivered
- Level crossing disruptions
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The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is asking Hunter residents to take extra care around the rail network next week as work as part of the Hunter Valley’s annual maintenance program takes place.
Around 1,000 ARTC and contract staff will be in the rail corridor during the three-day shutdown from 6am Tuesday 18 August until late Thursday evening, 20 August.
ARTC’s Executive General Manager – Hunter Valley, Jonathan Vandervoort, said the corridor-wide maintenance shutdown is critical to keeping the rail network safe and fit for operations.
“We have the third busiest heavy rail network in the country, and with that comes a complex and intricately-planned maintenance requirement,” Mr Vandervoort said.
“Getting the scheduling right and integrating it with the wider needs of the Hunter coal network is a massive job that requires planning months in advance.”
More than $100 million is pumped into the Hunter economy annually as a result of ARTC rail works, supporting local suppliers, businesses and contractors.
“By ‘closing down’ the network and with fewer trains running we can ensure we get the maximum amount of rail maintenance done more efficiently; but, above all else, it helps provide the safest possible environment for workers,” Mr Vandervoort said.
The maintenance shutdown means limited train operations to allow work to be delivered in a safe and efficient way at dozens of worksites across the region.
“Unfortunately, with work of this scale there will be some disruption and we would like to ask motorists and members of the community to be aware of changed traffic conditions and heavy work vehicles entering and exiting sections of the rail corridor.
“In particular, we want motorists and residents to plan ahead, and keep an eye out for traffic management signs as there will be various level crossings shut for short maintenance tasks,” Mr Vandervoort said.
“We would like to thank the community for their patience during this time.”
The next major, network-wide maintenance shutdown will be 7-9 October.
ENDS
Media Contact: Bas Bolyn, ARTC, 0477 340 658