Ongoing heavy rainfall across North Queensland has forced closures across Queensland Rail‘s North Coast line. Spirit of Queensland train services are being replaced by road coaches where possible.
Queensland Rail crews have commenced recovery in some locations.
Queensland Rail’s cameras have captured severe weather impacting the track in several areas in North Queensland.
The images show waters quickly rising on Wednesday (29 January) over Queensland Rail’s North Coast line at Harvey Creek and Babinda, near Cairns.
The North Coast line, which runs along the East Coast from Brisbane to Cairns, is currently closed south of Townsville to south of Cairns, with Spirit of Queensland rail services being replaced by coaches where possible, subject to roads remaining safe and open.
Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said severe weather is continuing to impact parts of Queensland Rail’s regional network.
“CCTV released today of sites at Harvey Creek and Babinda shows how quickly floodwaters can rise and fall, leaving trails of debris and destruction,” he said.
“Floodwaters have now receded at Harvey Creek and Babinda, allowing crews to commence recovery works, while other locations including Murphy’s Creek remain flooded.
“We want to remind customers that safety is our number one priority and our trains will run again when it is safe to do so.”
The Kuranda Range reopened this morning (Thursday, 30 January) following the completion of track inspections, allowing Kuranda Scenic Railway services to resume.
With additional rainfall predicted over the next 24 hours, Queensland Rail crews are continuing to monitor conditions and conduct inspections where it is safe to do so.
Queensland Rail has said it will continue to keep customers, freight operators and the community informed of any updates.
