The Australian Track Corporation is restoring critical rail links to keep Australia's national supply chain moving as a tropical low continues to impact key road and rail infrastructure.
With multiple highways currently disrupted due to flooding including sections of the Barrier and Stuart Highways, rail is playing an essential role in maintaining the movement of supermarket goods and other critical freight between states.
The Melbourne to Perth corridor is on schedule to reopen this evening, following intensive restoration works to repair washaways and complete final safety inspections.
Its reopening will re-establish a vital east-west freight link between the eastern states and Western Australia.
The Sydney to Perth corridor (via Broken Hill) has sustained more significant impacts, and this corridor is expected to be closed until at least Sunday whilst repairs and engineering assessments are undertaken.
Crews, contractors, and specialised equipment have been mobilised to enable these inspections and recovery works.
ARTC is also working closely with freight operators to explore opportunities for additional services between Melbourne and Adelaide, supporting services that normally travel Sydney to Perth via Broken Hill to be rerouted through Melbourne and Adelaide where capacity allows.
Importantly, the Adelaide to Darwin rail corridor also remains open, ensuring continued freight connectivity to and from the Territory.
ARTC remains in direct communication with customers and will provide further updates as recovery progresses.
