THE AUSTRALIAN Rail Track Corporation is carrying out major maintenance shutdowns of two significant freight rail routes in the coming days.
In one shutdown, ARTC is carrying out maintenance of parts of the New South Wales North Coast network at points between Telarah and Acacia Ridge (in Queensland) from Saturday (5 August) and Monday (7 August).
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 re-sleepering, 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 11 kilometres of rail in an intensive three-day effort.
“In other sections there will be vegetation removal, level crossing upgrades including sighting distance improvements, bridge repairs, station upgrades, turnout installations, signalling works and general upkeep to keep the network operating safely.
Hunter Valley shutdown
In a second shutdown, ARTC is carrying out maintenance of the Hunter Valley Network from Newcastle to Boggabri, Ulan and Turrawan from Saturday (5 August) through Tuesday (8 August).
ARTC Group Executive Hunter Valley Wayne Johnson said during this maintenance shutdown there will be work from Newcastle to Boggabri and Turrawan as well as far west at Ulan.
“There will also be important rail and sleeper replacement works at Islington, Thornton, Scone and Werris Creek over a 72-hour intensive period, which are critical activities in maintaining the safety of the rail network,” he said.
ARTC said works will span more than 140 separate maintenance activities throughout the weekend.
Mr Johnson said works will be completed as safely and efficiently as possible starting around 0300 on Saturday before an expected completion time around 1500 on Tuesday.
