The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is preparing to reopen a key rail bridge ahead of schedule, restoring an important freight link for operators and regional communities.
Beni Bridge, near Dubbo in New South Wales, was destroyed by a fast-moving grass fire in December 2025.
This resulted in the track being closed between Dubbo and Elong Elong, impacting freight services between Dubbo and Newcastle.
The new bridge is expected to be ready for testing from May 11. Subject to successful commissioning, normal operations will return soon after.
It follows months of intensive planning, demolition, design and reconstruction work.
The new Beni Creek bridge is a two-span concrete ballast top structure, replacing the former timber bridge.
It is designed to improve load capacity and reliability, while limiting future maintenance requirements.
The reopening of the bridge restores a more direct freight route for regional producers and operators transporting goods to market, including to the Port of Newcastle.
During the closure, impacted operators used alternative freight routes, including the Main Western line and the Inland Rail corridor between Cootamundra West, Parkes and Narromine.
ARTC said that under normal operating conditions, the bridge replacement was expected to take up to eight or nine months.
“Through close collaboration across ARTC teams, contractors and design partners, the bridge is now on track to reopen earlier than initially anticipated,” the organisation said in a statement.
Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations at ARTC, said the new bridge marks an important milestone for those who depend on the freight artery.
“ARTC understands how important reliable rail connections are for farmers and freight customers across Central West NSW, particularly when it comes to supporting access to the Port of Newcastle,” he said.
“This project has been delivered with strong collaboration, careful planning and a real focus on restoring services as quickly and safely as possible.”
