The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will carry out essential rail maintenance and improvement works on the Southern Highlands line between Enfield West and Cootamundra in New South Wales, beginning November 22.
The work, which is part of ARTC’s planned annual maintenance program, will include re-railing, track reconditioning, track resurfacing and mudhole removal works at priority locations, and vegetation spraying and hazardous tree removal at various locations.
Works will focus on removing temporary speed restrictions to improve transit times south of Sydney, providing quicker and more reliable journeys.
Signalling work will also be undertaken on the Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities project.
Coaches and buses will replace NSW TrainLink services during the trackwork period.
ARTC is reminding motorists to remain vigilant and slow down at level crossings during the shutdown, with rail machinery and other movements still occurring on the rail line.
Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations, ARTC said the Southern Highlands is an important part of the ARTC freight and passenger network, and regular maintenance ensures that the lines continue to serve as a vital link in the economic supply chain.
“These works are essential to maintain a high standard of safety and reliability for our national rail network,” he said.
During the works the line will be closed between Enfield West to Moss Vale from 10.30pm Friday 22 November to 2am Monday 25 November.
The line will also be closed between Moss Vale and Cootamundra from 5am Saturday 23 November to 7pm Sunday 24 November.