Final Update / Media Release (15 February 2022):
Trans-Australian railway returns to service
- More than 100 ARTC staff worked around the clock to restore line to service
- More than 50,000 tonnes of ballast and rock utilized in repair activities
- Much-needed supplies now flowing into Western Australia and Northern Territory
Operations have resumed on the Trans-Australian railway between Adelaide and Tarcoola following an intensive 24-day repair operation by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).
Nine freight trains are expected to access the newly repaired network today allowing much-needed supplies such as fresh food, beverages and retail goods to move on this vital rail link connecting Western Australia and the Northern Territory to the Eastern states.
Following significant rainfall and flooding in South Australia between January 21-23, which was described by meteorologists as a one-in-200-to-300-year event with more than 200mm of rain in 24 hours, ARTC had to close the inter-state network between Port Augusta and Tarcoola.
ARTC Group Executive Interstate Network Simon Ormsby said all of Australia owned a debt of thanks to the crews and contractors who have worked extremely hard to bring the interstate network back online.
“ARTC crews from Port Augusta led the charge with support by teams from Kalgoorlie, Adelaide and Port Augusta. Contractors and staff from other areas were also called in to assist due to the overall scale of the operation,” Mr Ormsby said.
“In the end we had more than 100 staff on ground working around the clock to fix 18 locations along a 300km stretch of track in 24 days. This was a tremendous display of coordination and effort with our on ground work supported by ARTC project management and logistics staff from across the country,” he said.
Mr Ormsby also thanked the companies that rallied to pitch in such as McMahons, Exact Mining and Bardavcol which reallocated resources from their mining and road projects in the region to support the rail recovery efforts.
“A special mention also to John Holland who brought in specialist rail construction resources from the Eastern States and Arc Infrastructure and Sydney Trains who supplied specialist equipment to be utilised in the recovery effort,” he said.
“ARTC had almost 100 people on the ground working dual shifts to shift more than 50,000 tonnes of ballast and rock being used for the repair work.
“More than 25 units of heavy machinery were used across the work sites and in a number of areas we were required to re-build access roads from the highway to the rail network to enable the movement of heavy machinery to site requiring a massive coordination of civil works.
“I would also like to thank all our customers for their patience during this period while they have been working with us as we moved towards the resumption of services today. We are hoping to get back to normal operation as soon as possible.”
Key facts: Trans-Australian Rail Repair work – February 2022:
- 18 locations along 300km of track needed major repair
- 50,000 tonnes of ballast used during repairs
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Editor’s please note: There is vision available for use of today’s first train on the repaired section courtesy of the South Australian State Emergency Service available here.
This will be updated with more vision throughout the day and will be available on our website
Update / Media Statement (8 February, 2022):
Please attribute to an Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) spokesperson:
“The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has revised its opening forecast based on the observed progress of restoration works.
“Operations are now expected to recommence on the Trans-Australian railway between Adelaide and Tarcoola from 15th February.
“ARTC will now work with our customers to ensure operations can commence safely and that freight can get moving on this vital rail link connecting Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
“Since the flooding occurred on the weekend of the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of January, our crews have worked around the clock to fix damaged locations along a 300km stretch of track.
“ARTC thanks our crews, contractors, local mines in the region and suppliers whom have all worked together to repair the damage.”
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Update / Media Statement (7 February, 2022):
Please attribute to an Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) spokesperson:
“ARTC crews have been working around the clock on the weekend to repair damage caused by recent flooding in central South Australia.
“Works have progressed from the initial 18 sites to focussing on 4 remaining locations. These sites were the most severely impacted.
“Crews have full access to these sites for our construction vehicles and work is progressing well.
“Ballast and rail are being delivered to site, with tamping operations to get underway shortly.
“Dry weather is assisting the recovery efforts.
“A further update will be provided in the next few days.”
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Update / Media Statement (4 February, 2022):
Please attribute to an Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) spokesperson:
“ARTC crews have been working around the clock to repair damage caused by recent flooding in central South Australia.
“Works have progressed from the initial 18 sites to focussing on the 6 remaining locations, which were the most severely impacted and will require the most recovery time.
“Revised assessments by meteorologists following the rainfall now describe the flooding as a one in 200-300 year event.
“As a result of the volume of water that was recorded, we are required to re-build access roads from the highway to the rail network to enable the movement of heavy machinery to site. The civil contractors are progressing well on this work.
“ARTC has almost 100 people on the ground working dual shifts. We are utilising accommodation at several regional locations to house the workforce, including Tarcoola, Woomera and Port Augusta, as well as the Mt Gunson mine.
“McMahons, Exact Mining and Bardavcol have reallocated resources from mining and road projects in the region to support the rail recovery efforts and John Holland have brought in specialist rail construction resources from the Eastern States to support.
“This is being supplemented with ARTC work teams from WA (Kalgoorlie), and two SA depots (Adelaide & Port Augusta) as well as ARTC project management and logistics support from across the country.
“Rail equipment from ARTC, Arc Infrastructure and Sydney Trains are being utilised in the recovery efforts.
“It is expected that more than 50,000 tonnes of ballast and rock, which is being stockpiled at a number of locations on the network, will be utilised in the repair activity. We are sourcing these materials using both road and rail transport for ballast from WA (Kalgoorlie), Whyalla and Adelaide and general construction material from the nearby Mt Gunson Mine.
“More than 25 units of heavy machinery are in place across the work sites and this has been provided by ARTC, contractors and through local hire arrangements.
“ARTC is also working closely with State and Federal Governments and local authorities on the recovery and repair of damage to infrastructure in the region and we thank them for their support.
“Following an extensive and detailed assessment of all track, ARTC can advise completion of the repair works is expected to occur by mid-February.
“This timeframe is consistent with initial updates provided to customers, stakeholders and the broader community.
“Our focus is to repair the line as quickly as possible, in the safest manner, to ensure operations can commence and freight can get moving.
“We thank our crews on the ground working to repair this vital infrastructure, the organisations supporting the recovery efforts and our customers for their patience and ongoing support.”
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Overview (31 January, 2022)
Since mid-last week, ARTC has focused its efforts on securing the required resources and developing the plan to enable recovery of the damaged rail line. This process is being carried out in the most efficient and safe way possible. 18 sites stretching over 300km have been affected by the flooding incident, with most having now been assessed by engineering and project staff. One small section of track has not been assessed as yet due to access constraints in the area.
Large-scale works are now well underway with plant and equipment and materials onsite. Additional contractors are now also onsite to assist ARTC crews and works include building access roads, ensuring supplies can get to damaged locations and supporting restoration works. ARTC expects track will remain closed for at least 12 days and a further update on timeframes for recovery will be provided later this week. Our focus is to ensure the section of track is restored to enable the safe passage of trains. We want to reassure our customers and the community that we will restore these links as quickly as possible.
Media Statement – 31 January, 2022: Please attribute to an Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) spokesperson:
“Following significant rainfall and flooding in South Australia, parts of the ARTC network between Adelaide and Tarcoola have been impacted and operations have temporarily ceased. Meteorologists have described the rainfall as a once in 200-year event. Because of the extensive weather event, that included over 200mm of rain in 24 hours in some areas, services from Adelaide to Perth and Darwin continue to be impacted. Repair works are underway along a section of track over 300km in length.
“Additional contractors are now on site to assist ARTC crews and works include building access roads, ensuring supplies can get to damaged locations and supporting restoration works. A small section of track remains inaccessible. ARTC expects the track will remain closed for at least 12 days and a further update on timeframes for recovery will be provided later this week. We want to reassure our customers and the community that we will restore these links as quickly as possible.” [ENDS]
Overview (January 26, 2022)
A significant rain event through central South Australia late last week caused damage to the ARTC network. At the time operations were ceased, given meteorological forecasts and early weather alerts. The rain event caused flash flooding through the regions. Some areas received upwards of 200mm of rain and other locations received over half their average rainfall in one day. The rainfall received in the area was a 1 in 100 / 200-year event.
ARTC crews worked through the weekend to inspect and asses track with some locations identified as being damaged. Crews worked quickly to repair the damaged lines, however access limitations via rail and road prevented some areas from being inspected. Over the course of late Sunday / Monday further rain events in the South East have caused rail infrastructure damage to the ARTC network.
Impact of the incident: Eight locations were damaged due to the initial rainfall and flooding over the weekend. Those sites were within 100km east of Tarcoola. Our crews worked tirelessly to repair the damaged rail infrastructure where possible and where conditions allowed. Whilst crews worked to fix issues caused by rain late last week, the rainfall on late Sunday / Monday caused additional damage. The damage is significant in nature and heavy machinery and materials will be required to fix the rain line.
Focus of repairs: ARTC crews are currently working to finalise the repairs from the initial rain fall and repair the additional sites impacted by the rain event on late Sunday / Monday. These additional sites are extensively damaged and access to site locations is challenging with many still under water. Major earthworks are required at several locations to restore the track. Additionally, access to these locations is challenging as major highways were closed due to washaways. Other local roads are cut due to flooding. Up to eight sites are inaccessible at this stage due to flood waters. An aerial inspection was performed by helicopter on Tuesday due to restricted road and rail access, to further asses areas for any additional damage and to assist in the development of a recovery plan. ARTC is working with South Australian authorities and the State Emergency Services on exploring options for support from mines and local contractors in the area to aid with recovery.
Significance of the rain event: The rain event that affected central South Australia has led to widespread flooding beyond the initial locations near Tarcoola. Rain in the order of 200mm fell in some locations, which areas was half of the average rain fall for an entire year. The rainfall received in the area was a 1 in 100 / 200-year event. Meteorologists have highlighted the rain event is linked to the seasonal La Nina which is seeing large amounts of moisture flow down from the tropical Top End and tropical Queensland into South Australia. Normally the trough systems in January tend to be drier, but since there’s so much moisture the regions are experiencing heavier rain and storms generated by the instability from trough systems. Further rain is forecast later this week and ARTC continues to monitor weather conditions as repairs take place.
Timeframes: ARTC expects repairs of the damaged rail infrastructure to take at least 12 days. Further updates will be provided as work continues.
Media Statement – 26 January, 2022 Please attribute to an Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) spokesperson:
“Due to significant rainfall and flooding in South Australia, parts of the ARTC network between Adelaide and Tarcoola have been impacted and operations have temporarily ceased. Meteorologists have described the rainfall as a once in 100 / 200-year event. Because of extensive weather event, that included over 200mm of rain in 24 hours in some areas, services from Adelaide to Perth and Darwin continue to be impacted.
“Repair works are underway where possible, however additional damage has been identified following our initial inspections. Up to eight affected locations are inaccessible due to the flood waters. With further inclement weather expected and as repairs continue, ARTC expects track will remain closed for at least twelve days. We want to reassure our customers and the community that we will restore these links as quickly as possible. ARTC will provide regular updates on operations as information becomes available.” [ENDS]
MULTIMEDIA
Images / videos: A selection of photos and videos from the Adelaide to Tarcoola section of ARTC network can be found at THIS LINK for broadcast and publication purposes.
February 2, 2022: Watch video
January 27, 2022: Watch video
Radio grabs: You can download the below audio at THIS LINK by right clicking the audio player, and selecting “save audio as” or pressing Ctrl S.
Voice of Anthony Meere, ARTC General Manager – Corporate Affairs