Vandalism Disrupts Train Services at Cockle Creek

28 August 2024

Train services on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line are experiencing significant delays due to vandalism of equipment at Cockle Creek. The incident has disrupted both directions of travel, affecting thousands of commuters.

The delays are caused by signalling damage and the requirement to manually allow trains through sections of the track via the radio.

Jenny Aitchison MP released a statement today addressing the situation:

“Customers on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line are experiencing delays in both directions due to vandalism of equipment at Cockle Creek. Commuters should be aware of the following:

Trains running between Newcastle Interchange and Central are being delayed.
Trains timetabled to run between Wyong and Central may experience minor flow-on delays.
Trains from Newcastle to the City are being delayed by up to 25 minutes.
Trains towards Newcastle are being delayed by up to 40 minutes.

Allow up to 30 minutes extra travel time. Services will be less frequent throughout the day, and trips will take longer. Trains may stop on platforms or between stations for extended periods while going through the affected area. Repair crews are assessing the damage to equipment. Delays will continue for the rest of the day, with repairs forecasted to be completed early tomorrow morning. Please plan ahead and also consider making your own arrangements if possible.”

Ongoing Issues with Vandalism on critical infrastructure

This incident at Cockle Creek is part of a troubling pattern of vandalism and theft on parts of the rail, telecommunications and electricity networks. Vandalism has frequently targeted critical infrastructure, causing widespread delays and safety concerns. Copper theft, a recurring issue, often leads to disruptions, though not all incidents are theft-related. Damage to railway infrastructure is causing both operational challenges and safety risks.