North Coast maintenance shutdown critical for rail network

  • Maintenance works are occurring on the main lines between Telarah in New South Wales and Acacia Ridge in Queensland.
  • Three-day shutdown from 6am Saturday, August 5 to 6pm Monday, August 7.
  • Essential track maintenance will maintain high safety and reliability standards.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will carry out a major maintenance shutdown of the New South Wales North Coast network at various locations between Telarah and Acacia Ridge in Queensland from Saturday, August 5 to Monday, August 7, 2023.

ARTC Group Executive for the Interstate Network Simon Ormsby said the shutdown is required for maintenance works to maintain a safe, reliable network.

“During this maintenance shutdown we will be working between Telarah to Acacia Ridge and works will include rerailing and resleepering, track resurfacing, reconditioning and ballasting,” Mr Ormsby said.

“There will be a particular focus on the section between Taree and Coffs Harbour with more than 300 staff involved in replacing approximately 11km of rail in an intensive three-day effort,” he said.

“In other sections there will be vegetation removal, level crossing upgrades including sighting distance improvements, bridge repairs, station upgrades, turnout installations, signaling works and general upkeep to keep the network operating safely.

“We want to reassure the community these works will be completed as efficiently as possible. The work will start from around 6am on Saturday (August 5) and are expected to be completed around 6pm on Monday (August 7). There may also be night works in some locations.

“While freight services and passenger services will be stopped, we still ask motorists to remain vigilant and slow down at level crossings during the shutdown as there will be machinery and other movements on the rail line.

“We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience and thank the community for its support and patience while these essential works are taking place.”

Alternative bus services will be provided for impacted passenger services, and details and schedules can be found at the Transport NSW website. Information on road closures and alternative routes can be found at livetraffic.com

Up to date information regarding any changes to these works can be found here: Track Work – ARTC and for additional information please contact ARTC’s Enviroline on 1300 550 402.

ENDS

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