The Australian Rail Track Corporation has re-opened the North Coast network between Telarah and Dungog.
ARTC said last week that it estimated being able to re-open the network over the weekend, and held to that estimate, opening the line on Saturday, May 9.
“The North Coast line section of track between Telarah and Dungog reopened this morning according to schedule and freight, coal and passenger services are now returning to operations with the first trains passing through this morning successfully,” the corporation said.
Significant sections of ballast were washed away on the line during heavy rains which led to flooding in late April. In some sections, entire portions of land were washed away beneath the rail infrastructure, contributing to the hefty closure.
The ARTC closed both the North Coast and Hunter networks following the flooding, but was able to re-open the Hunter network earlier than the North Coast, which was more significantly damaged.
“ARTC would like to thank our customers, local communities and stakeholders for their patience and assistance while repair and recovery works have been completed over the last three weeks,” the corporation said on May 9.
“Our focus will now turn to ensure the safe and gradual return to normal operations.
“ARTC also has post-site tidy up and remediation works in and around Tocal and surrounding communities planned for coming weeks during normal construction hours.”