Flood monitoring cameras have captured rail bridges going under across Queensland Rail’s regional network as heavy rain pummelled the state.
The video shows waters quickly rising over Queensland Rail’s North Coast line at Babinda, Five Mile Creek, Harvey Creek, Meunga Creek, Murray River and St Margaret Creek.
The severe weather is currently impacting several services, with the Kuranda Scenic Railway closed from today (Tuesday February 4) up to and including Saturday February 8.
The Spirit of Queensland is also experiencing disruption. The V982 Cairns to Brisbane service that was due to depart today will instead commence from Mackay at 6:43pm.
No alternative transport can be offered to customers joining north of Mackay.
For customers joining south of Mackay, Queensland Rail warned that the journey may be impacted with significant delays and/or disruptions.
“Where possible road coaches will be arranged as an alternate service, but this will be subject to roads reopening and it being safe to do so,” a spokesperson said.
“Conveyance to customers’ final destination cannot be guaranteed.”
As flooding worsened across the North Queensland over the past few days, nine rail bridges were temporarily submerged in water.
In a statement released yesterday afternoon, Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said the safety of customers and staff is their “number one priority”.
“We understand the importance of keeping freight moving around our state and we are working with freight partners who are affected by these weather impacts.
“Once conditions ease and floodwaters recede our crews will inspect the rail network and commence recovery works.”
For updates on Queensland Rail’s long-distance travel and tourism services, visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au.
