- Queensland Rail has commenced track works to bolster the safety and reliability of the South West rail line, which runs from Toowoomba south to Warwick and west to Thallon.
- From now until mid-2026, crews will replace more than 100,000 timber sleepers between Toowoomba, Warwick and Thallon.
- The project is part of major investment in the line, which predominantly carries grain trains.
Queensland Rail is hard at work on the South West rail line, where 100,000 ageing timber sleepers are being replaced. The new timber sleepers mean a smoother rail path for operators.
Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said it was great to see the upgrades get underway.
"We know how important our regional rail network is in providing a critical link for local supply chains and heritage operators and these works are part of our commitment to improving the existing rail infrastructure," Mr Cornish said.
Mr Cornish said with the grain season recently commencing, crews were making the most of off-peak periods to minimise impact to train services.
"Following the distribution of materials across the line earlier this year, crews have commenced resleepering works at Thallon and are working their way towards Warwick before heading north to Toowoomba," he said.
"At the moment, on average more than 1,000 sleepers are being replaced per day.
"A workforce of around 35 Queensland Rail employees are delivering the works using 12 Queensland Rail track machines.
"A big thanks to all involved in getting this important project for the South West region underway."
Spanning approximately 610 kilometres, the South West rail line is a primary grain transport corridor connecting Toowoomba to Thallon via Warwick. It also used by heritage operators in the region.
In FY25, the line helped transport more than 400 grain trains, and this year (FY26), Queensland Rail is investing in the line to ensure its ongoing safety and reliability for freight operators in the region.
