Recovery works are underway on Queensland Rail’s North Coast line following recent flooding in north Queensland which brought rail services to a halt.
Multiple sites have been identified for repairs between Townsville and Cairns, with damage ranging from major track washouts to uprooted trees and debris fallen across tracks.
Queensland Rail has mobilised crews and contractors from across the state to help with the mammoth task, with machinery like excavators and tonnes of ballast being positioned across the line.
In an update issued on Thursday evening, Queensland Rail said the North Coast line remains closed north of Townsville to Woree and south of Townsville to Proserpine, impacting Spirit of Queensland services.
Spirit of Queensland services are being replaced by coaches where possible, subject to roads being safe and open.
No alternative transport can be offered to customers joining north of Townsville.
The Kuranda Range will remain closed until at least Saturday, 8 February, with all Kuranda Scenic Railway services cancelled.
The Central West line from Emerald north and west is also impacted by floodwaters.
With more rain forecast over the coming days, a reopening date is still to be confirmed, pending the ongoing weather and ground conditions.
Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said making sure the network is safe is the top priority.
“We understand how important it is to get people and freight moving again across the state,” he said.
“That’s why our crews are focused on recovering the rail line in sections where the water has receded, as quickly and as safely as possible.”
While some sections of track remain underwater, Queensland Rail was able to reconnect isolated communities via its Ollera Creek rail bridge while the Bruce Highway remains closed.
“Using our on-track recovery machine, our crews have been safely shuttling members of the community, SES crews, Queensland Police Service and Ergon Energy crews to and from Ingham, helping transport vital supplies and more,” said Cornish.
“It’s an important reminder to the community to keep safety front of mind and adhere to the rules in place with the return of live operations across the rail network.”
With rail level crossings around Ingham not functioning due to a power outage, Cornish urged all road users to take alternate routes where possible and avoid these level crossings.
“Do not attempt to cross if boom gates are down and remain vigilant at level crossings as there are still on-track recovery machines using our network in the area,” he added.
“If you find a fault, please report it via the number listed at that level crossing.
“We also want to remind the public that it is not safe to use our rail bridges to cross flood waters.”
For updates on Queensland Rail’s long-distance travel and tourism services, visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au.
.jpg)
