Recovery works have commenced on 18 damaged sites on the North Coast rail line, north of Rockhampton, following recent extreme weather.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said in a combined effort by Queensland Rail and local contractors, a taskforce of more than 25 people were working to reopen the line as safely and quickly as possible.
“The North Coast rail line is the backbone to Queensland Rail’s regional network, transporting passenger and freight services up the coast from Brisbane to the Far North, so we understand the importance of reopening the line as quickly as possible,” Mr Bailey said.
“Since this morning, crews have been on site with excavators and truck tippers to lay down mud pads, commence pouring new ballast and undertake track repairs.
“Track inspections completed yesterday (10 November 2021) identified 18 washouts varying in size and complexity across 11 kilometres of track between Glen Geddes and Kunwarara.”
Mr Bailey thanked crews from Rockhampton, Mackay and Proserpine for mobilising so quickly to complete recovery works in challenging circumstances.
“Access to this section of track has been particularly challenging due to the ongoing wet weather conditions,” he said.
“They’re bringing in 2000 tonnes of ballast, tonnes of road base and flood rock materials for the repairs.
“At this stage, it is anticipated that the line will remain closed until Tuesday (16 November), subject to ongoing weather conditions and ground conditions.
“Making sure the line is safe is the number one priority, so we need to allow time to get it right.”
Mr Bailey said the line carries a number of freight products including, containerised and industrial freight, minerals, livestock and bulk commodities including sugar and grain.
“Queensland Rail is keeping its freight customers informed and has arranged road coaches to convey Spirit of Queensland customers north of Rockhampton, to ensure they get to their destination,” he said.
“Queensland Rail will continue to provide updates to the community, customers and freight partners as recovery efforts progress.”
Customers booked on a Queensland Rail service in the affected areas are encouraged to visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call Queensland Rail Travel on 1800 803 009.
