Queensland Rail has shared an update as Tropical Cyclone Alfred intensifies, with the category 2 storm forecasted to turn towards South East Queensland this afternoon.
Queensland Rail Head of South East Queensland Neil Backer said safety is the operator’s number one priority, and it is continuing to monitor weather conditions across the network.
“Queensland Rail is no stranger to the impacts of natural disasters, and our crews are working to prepare and protect the rail network and keep our customers and staff safe,” he said.
“We have strategically positioned resources like ballast, flood rock, sleepers, and rail stockpiles, and we are actively checking power generators, safely stabling trains at higher grounds and securing boom gates across the network.
“With more than 150 stations across more than 850 kilometres of track in SEQ, Queensland Rail crews remain ready to respond to any impacts due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.”
At this stage, timetabled services are continuing to operate across the network, but www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au warns that some services may experience delays or be affected by track and road conditions.
Road coaches may operate instead of trains but are subject to roads remaining open and safe to travel on.
“Should there be any changes, we will keep customers informed via our social media channels, our website and the TransLink Journey Planner,” Backer said.
Queensland Rail has only just recovered from the effects of severe flooding earlier this year, with the North Coast Line reopening in full on Saturday March 1.
Crews carried out repairs to seven kilometres of track, with major washouts and scouring requiring culvert repairs, bridge rebuilds, resurfacing works and new formation poured in several locations.
The Mount Isa Line was also closed while more than 1.3 kilometres of washouts, requiring 5,000 tonnes of ballast, were fixed.
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