- Hundreds of workers to deliver maintenance and upgrades across 158 sites
- Ten temporary speed restrictions to be removed to improve journey times
- Major works program to support local businesses and communities across the Hunter
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will replace almost seven kilometres of worn rail and undertake major track repairs across the Hunter Valley next week, helping reduce delays and improve reliability on one of Australia's most important freight corridors.
Works will take place across a 72-hour closedown of the Hunter Valley rail network, from the Newcastle and Kooragang areas through to Muswellbrook, and along the lines towards Ulan and Turrawan.
Across 158 work sites, crews will:
- Replace almost seven kilometres of worn rail to reduce faults and delays.
- Improve drainage and repair sections of track to make the railway stronger and better able to withstand wet weather.
- Replace worn track components and maintain signals to help trains run safely and reliably.
Crews will also smooth and level sections of track to reduce wear and help prevent future maintenance problems.
The works are expected to remove at least ten temporary speed restrictions, allowing trains to travel at normal speeds through these sections and helping reduce delays for freight and passenger services.
The maintenance program will run from 6:30am Tuesday 17 November to 6:30am Friday 20 November, with closures varying across the network.
To accommodate fans travelling to Robbie Williams' concert, the Newcastle to Muswellbrook section of the corridor will remain open on Tuesday evening. It will close from 6.30pm Wednesday 18 November to 5.30am Thursday 19 November, and again from 6.50pm to 8.20pm on Thursday 19 November.
ARTC invests approximately $190 million annually in scheduled maintenance across its national rail network, including the Hunter Valley, to keep the network safe and reliable.
Planning for the maintenance works has been underway for more than 12 months to ensure efficient coordination and delivery. Hundreds of workers will carry out the works across the region.
The maintenance program will also deliver flow-on benefits to local communities including Maitland, Singleton, Muswellbrook, and Denman, with workers supporting local accommodation, hospitality, and other services.
ARTC will work to minimise impacts where possible, including managing noise, light and dust during the works.
Coaches will replace NSW TrainLink services during the shutdown. Customers are encouraged to plan ahead at transportnsw.info or by calling 13 22 32.
Information on road closures or diversions can be found at livetraffic.com.
Motorists and pedestrians should remain alert near the rail corridor, follow signage and obey all road rules at level crossings, with rail machinery still active on rail lines.
Up-to-date information is available on the ARTC Trackwork website. Travellers can also contact ARTC's Community line on 1300 550 402.
Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations, ARTC said:
"This 72-hour shutdown brings together a significant program of maintenance and upgrades to address priority work across the Hunter Valley network.
The works will improve track condition, remove temporary speed restrictions and help deliver a safer, more reliable network for the freight and passenger services that depend on it.
Delivering a program of this scale requires careful planning and coordination, with hundreds of workers and contractors supporting the work across the region.
We recognise the shutdown will affect the community and thank residents, businesses and rail customers for their patience while we complete these essential works."
