- 250 workers across 43 sites in coordinated 46-hour shutdown
- Critical track, signal and infrastructure upgrades targeting known delay hotspots
- Builds on 2026 gains, including removal of 10 speed restrictions to improve journey times
More than 250 ARTC workers will be deployed across 43 sites in a 46-hour shutdown of the North Coast and Hunter Valley rail lines, in a coordinated program to strengthen performance across two of Australia’s busiest rail corridors.
The intensive, around-the-clock program follows ARTC’s most recent Hunter Valley shutdown, where crews removed 10 temporary speed restrictions-unlocking faster transit times across the network.
Crews will again work continuously to deliver track renewals, signal upgrades, bridge and culvert maintenance, and targeted defect repairs to lift reliability across critical corridors.
These works are designed to reduce unplanned disruptions and improve service consistency, particularly on sections of track that have experienced recurring issues.
The works will take place between:
- Hamilton to Maitland (NSW): 3:00am Saturday 22 August to 1:00am Monday 24 August
- Telarah (NSW) to Acacia Ridge (QLD): 5:00am Saturday 22 August to 1:00am Monday 24 August
ARTC invests around $190 million each year in scheduled maintenance, with planning for this shutdown underway for more than three months.
The program will also support regional communities including Gloucester, Taree, Kempsey, Nambucca Heads, Braunstone, and Grafton, with workers contributing to local accommodation, hospitality and service businesses.
ARTC will minimise impacts where possible, including managing noise, light and dust during the works.
Coaches will replace NSW TrainLink services during the shutdown. Customers are encouraged to plan ahead at transportnsw.info or by calling 13 22 32.
Information on road closures or diversions is available at livetraffic.com.
Motorists and pedestrians should remain alert near the rail corridor, follow signage and obey all road rules at level crossings.
For updates, visit the ARTC Trackwork website, or call the Community line on 1300 550 402.
Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations, ARTC said:
“This is a significant, coordinated program of works that allows us to complete critical maintenance safely and efficiently across multiple sites in a short window.
By targeting the issues that cause delays, we’re helping deliver faster, more reliable journeys for passengers and freight customers.
This shutdown builds on the strong results we’re already seeing across the network and will help ensure the railway continues to meet growing demand.
We thank the community for their patience while this important work is carried out.”
