To add more chaos to the transport network, the Hunter Valley rail line will be closed this week for essential maintenance.
While several road works are planned throughout the region, including the M1 Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace and Hexham Straight Widening, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is also carrying out improvements to maintain safety and reliability on its local grid.
The track is slated to shutdown between Kooragang and Muswellbrook, and west to Ulan and north to Narrabri, from 6.30am on Tuesday 1 October until 6.30am on Friday 4 October.
Coaches and buses will 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.
More than 850 maintenance activities should be completed on the Hunter Valley line, including ballast cleaning, track reconditioning, structure, track and signalling maintenance and vegetation control.
ARTC crews will attempt to minimise the impact of the work wherever possible, from positioning light towers to shining away from residences, watering down work areas to limiting the number of machines operating at any one time.
“The rail network requires regular maintenance to ensure that it continues to play a pivotal role in supporting vital links to the region’s economic supply chain,” ARTC group executive operations Clinton Crump said.
“So, we’re reminding 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.
“The program of works is designed to lessen disruption to passenger and freight services.
“We’d like to thank the Hunter Valley community for its patience while these critical, long-term improvements take place.”
Information on road closures or diversions and alternative routes can be found at livetraffic.com.
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