Flooding across New South Wales continues to have significant impact on the ARTC rail network.
The Broken Hill line remains closed; however, more stable weather has allowed work to reopen some sections of the ARTC network.
Broken Hill Line:
ARTC is monitoring the situation closely, but the Broken Hill line is expected to remain closed until at least the end of the year.
Aerial inspection has confirmed track damage is spread across 150km with multiple kilometres of track washed away or underwater with large sections of the track still inaccessible.
Restoration works between Parkes and Condobolin (inc) have commenced and this section of the track is forecast to reopen on Monday 12 December. Importantly, the reopening of this section will provide access to key grain sites.
Based on current information available, the line between Condobolin (ex) and Euabalong is expected to be closed until at least the end of the year.
Current forecasts indicate major flooding will continue into December.
Cootamundra to Parkes Line:
Repair works between Wirrinya (inc) and Parkes have commenced and are progressing ahead of schedule, with final commissioning commencing today.
The line between Wirrinya (inc) and Parkes is forecast to reopen on Saturday 3 December at 12.00 noon.