The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will carry out essential maintenance and improvement works this weekend along the North Coast railway network.
Works will close the North Coast line between Telarah in New South Wales and Acacia Ridge in Queensland from 5am Saturday 8 February to 7pm Sunday 9 February.
Crews will be working along the 800km train line, investing more than 4,000 work hours in critical maintenance.
This includes track resurfacing, structures upgrades and repairs as well as track formation upgrades and turnout component replacements.
Additional activities will include vegetation management at various priority locations.
These works are aligned with the maintenance works to be undertaken along the Hunter Valley railway network.
The shutdown is part of ARTC’s annual maintenance program and is a significant investment in the network.
The ARTC said that its crews will minimise the impact of the work wherever possible, including positioning light towers to shine away from residences, watering down work areas and limiting the number of machines operating at any one time.
Coaches and buses will replace NSW TrainLink services during the trackwork period and customers are encouraged to visit transportnsw.info or call 13 22 32 for assistance in planning their journey.
Information on road closures or diversions and alternative routes can be found at livetraffic.com.
The ARTC reminds motorists and pedestrians to remain vigilant for altered traffic conditions near the rail corridor, pay attention to signage and to obey all road rules at level crossings, with rail machinery active on rail lines.
Up to date information regarding any changes to these works can be found on the ARTC Trackwork website and for additional information community members can contact ARTC’s Community line on 1300 550 402.
Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations, ARTC said: “Regular maintenance ensures that the North Coast line continues to operate as a vital part of the economic supply chain and provide travel connections throughout New South Wales and south east Queensland.
“With freight and passenger services paused during this time, our teams can focus on detailed structural inspections and other essential tasks that can’t be completed while trains are operating.
“These works are being carried out in the middle of summer under challenging conditions, and we truly appreciate the efforts of our crews. ARTC also thanks the community for their understanding and patience as we make these important long-term improvements.”