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South Australian line still washed out

The Australian Rail Track Corporation expects its network in central South Australia will be out of operation for at least another 12 days.

The tracks were closed after a rain event caused flash flooding through the regions, with some areas receiving upwards of 200mm of rain, and other locations more than half their average rainfall in one day. Services from Adelaide to Perth and Darwin continue to be impacted.

ARTC crews worked quickly to assess and carry out repairs. However access limitations via rail and road prevented some areas from being inspected.

Eight locations were damaged due to the initial rainfall and flooding over the weekend. Those sites were within 100km east of Tarcoola.

ARTC reports that the damage is significant in nature and heavy machinery and materials will be required to fix the rain line.

Major earthworks are required at several locations to restore the track. Additionally, access to these locations is challenging as major highways were closed due to washaways. Other local roads are cut due to flooding.

Up to eight sites are inaccessible at this stage due to flood waters. ARTC is working with South Australian authorities and the State Emergency Services on exploring options for support from mines and local contractors in the area to aid with recovery.

Further rain is forecast later this week and ARTC continues to monitor weather conditions as repairs take place.

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