Essential maintenance and improvement works are scheduled for the Hunter Valley and North Coast rail corridors this weekend.
The trackwork will be undertaken across various sites from Hamilton throughout Newcastle, and as well as Acacia Ridge in Queensland, from 3am on Saturday 31 January to 1am on Monday 2 February.
The shutdown, part of the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) annual program, is a significant investment in the network.
And, work’s slated across more than 40 locales on both lines.
It includes track machine duties, upgrading signal cable routes from Maitland to Telarah, re-railing, re-sleepering, defect removal, maintenance and upgrading of structures and level crossing trackworks.
ARTC group executive operations Clinton Crump admitted it was a vital operation.
“The rail network requires regular maintenance to ensure that it continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the region’s economic supply chain and travel connections to communities in NSW and South-East Queensland.
“The program of works is designed to minimise disruption to passenger and freight services.
“So, we’d like to thank the Hunter Valley and North Coast communities for their patience while these critical, long-term improvements take place.”
ARTC crews will reduce 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 are set to replace NSW TrainLink services during the trackwork period and customers are encouraged to visit Transportnsw.info or phone 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.
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