- Beni Creek rail bridge near Dubbo set to reopen, restoring key freight link for regional NSW
- Early completion to boost access to market for farmers and freight operators
- Communities urged to stay alert as rail line returns to service from mid-May
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is preparing to reopen the Beni Creek rail bridge near Dubbo, restoring an important freight connection for farmers, freight operators and regional communities across Central West NSW.
The timber rail bridge was destroyed by a fast-moving grass fire in December last year, closing the track between Dubbo and Elong Elong and impacting freight services between Dubbo and Newcastle.
Following months of intensive planning, demolition, design and reconstruction work, the new bridge is expected to be ready for testing from 11 May, with a return to normal operations soon after subject to successful commissioning.
The reopening will help restore a more direct freight pathway for regional producers and operators moving goods to market, including access to the Port of Newcastle.
ARTC has worked closely with impacted customers and operators throughout the closure to support alternative freight routes, including via the Main Western line and the recently upgraded Inland Rail corridor between Cootamundra West, Parkes and Narromine.
The new Beni Creek bridge is a two-span concrete ballast top structure, designed to improve load capacity and reliability, while reducing future maintenance requirements.
Under normal operating conditions, the replacement project was expected to take up to eight or nine months. Through close collaboration across ARTC teams, contractors and design partners, the bridge is now on track to reopen earlier than initially anticipated.
Communities and landowners near the rail corridor, including those with private level crossings, are reminded that the line will become active again from 11 May, with track machinery and test trains traveling the network back and forth as part of the commissioning process.
People are urged to stay alert, obey all level crossing controls and never enter the rail corridor.
Traffic signage will also be installed at key locations to remind motorists and local communities that trains are returning to the line.
Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations, ARTC said:
"The reopening of Beni Creek bridge is an important milestone for regional producers, freight operators and communities who rely on this line to move goods safely and efficiently to market.
"ARTC understands how important reliable rail connections are for farmers and freight customers across Central West NSW, particularly when it comes to supporting access to the Port of Newcastle.
"This project has been delivered with strong collaboration, careful planning and a real focus on restoring services as quickly and safely as possible.
"Under normal conditions, a bridge replacement of this nature could take significantly longer, but the work of our teams and contractors has enabled us to bring the line back earlier than initially anticipated."
