newy.com.au – Coaches will replace NSW TrainLink services during a three-day Hunter Valley rail shutdown from September 22, as about 1,000 workers carry out maintenance intended to reduce delays for passenger and freight trains.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) says the program across 135 sites will remove at least 10 temporary speed restrictions, reducing journey times and helping passenger services keep to their timetables.
The shutdown is scheduled to run from 6.30am on Tuesday, September 22, until 6.30am on Friday, September 25. Works will cover the lines between Warabrook/Kooragang and Muswellbrook, as well as the routes from Muswellbrook to Ulan and Turrawan.
ARTC has also scheduled overnight main-line closures on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, from 8.20pm until 3.30am the following mornings. Passengers are being encouraged to plan ahead and check travel arrangements with Transport for NSW or call 13 22 32.
The maintenance program combines track and rail renewal with bridge and culvert repairs and replacements, level crossing upgrades and signal repairs. Planning has been under way for more than 12 months to co-ordinate work across the corridor.
About 900 contractors and 100 ARTC employees will be deployed during the shutdown. ARTC expects the visiting workforce to support accommodation, hospitality and other service businesses in communities including Maitland, Singleton, Muswellbrook and Denman.
ARTC group executive operations Clinton Crump said the works were intended to keep the network reliable for freight and passenger services.
“This shutdown allows us to deliver essential maintenance and upgrades that improve the safety, reliability and resilience of the Hunter Valley network.”
Residents near work sites can expect noise, lighting and dust, which ARTC says it will manage to minimise disruption where possible. Rail machinery will remain active on the tracks despite the shutdown, and motorists and pedestrians are being urged to stay alert near the corridor, follow signs and obey road rules at level crossings.
Road closure and diversion information will be available through Live Traffic NSW. Residents and travellers can check ARTC’s trackwork information or contact its community line on 1300 550 402.
