A 96-hour “super possession” is set to take place this weekend, with the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) delivering a major program of maintenance and construction works along the Sydney-Melbourne rail corridor.
There will be a full line closure from Chullora in New South Wales to Melbourne, Victoria from 10.30pm on Friday May 1 to 11pm on Tuesday May 5.
Works will include the installation of two new crossovers at Joppa Junction outside Goulburn, marking an important milestone in the delivery of the Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities project.
The ARTC said these upgrades will support more efficient movement of freight and passenger rail services between Sydney and Melbourne.
Crews will also undertake track rehabilitation at Bargo, Tahmoor and Tennessee in New South Wales.
These works are part of the $1 billion Network Investment Program, jointly funded with the Australian Government.
The works aim to improve corridor reliability, enhance ride quality and travel times.
A wide range of maintenance activities will also be carried out to strengthen the rail line, including upgrades to signalling systems and rail bridges.
During the possession, Inland Rail will complete rail and construction works across eight sites in Victoria, from Wandong to Benalla.
The old Broadford-Wandong Road bridge at Wandong will be demolished and track lowering works will be carried out at Broadford, Tallarook and Seymour.
The coordinated works will close key parts of the Sydney-Melbourne corridor, including Cootamundra and Parkes, in stages from 10.30pm on Friday May 1 to 11pm on Tuesday May 5.
Coaches will replace all NSW Trainlink and V/Line services between May 1 and May 5.
Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations at ARTC, said: “This significant planned shutdown allows us to complete critical maintenance and upgrades to support the long-term performance of the Sydney to Melbourne and Cootamundra to Parkes rail corridors.
“Importantly the major infrastructure works will improve reliability, support faster and more efficient services, and strengthen the resilience of the network for the future.
“ARTC would like to thank the community for their patience as we undertake these critical long-term improvements.”
