- Major maintenance works will close the Hunter Valley rail corridor for up to 72 hours
- Critical upgrades to improve performance
- Shutdown to deliver economic boost to local communities
Essential maintenance works will improve the safety, reliability and resilience of the Hunter Valley rail network, supporting one of Australia's key freight corridors.
During the scheduled maintenance the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will undertake works including renewing track, maintaining bridges and culverts and targeted maintenance to reduce delays. These activities will remove around 10 temporary speed restrictions to keep passenger and freight services moving efficiently.
ARTC will close the Hunter Valley Rail corridor from 6:30am Tuesday 21 July to 6:30am Friday 24 July to deliver the program. The works will take place between:
- Warabrook / Kooragang and Muswellbrook
- Muswellbrook and Ulan
- Muswellbrook and Turrawan
Overnight closures will also occur on the main line on Tuesday 21 July and Wednesday 22 July, from 8:20pm to 3:30am.
Crews will carry out critical activities across 125 sites, including track reconditioning, re-railing, rail grinding and renewing key infrastructure. To keep the network safe and reliable, ARTC invests approximately $190 million annually in scheduled maintenance across the national network and the Hunter Valley rail network.
Planning for the maintenance works has been underway for more than 12 months to ensure efficient coordination and delivery. Hundreds of ARTC employees and contractors will be deployed across the region. The maintenance program will also deliver flow-on benefits to local communities including Scone, Gunnedah, Muswellbrook and Denman, with workers supporting local accommodation, hospitality, and other service providers.
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 shutdown allows us to deliver essential maintenance and upgrades that improve the safety, reliability and resilience of the Hunter Valley network.
These works are a significant investment in ensuring the network can meet the growing demand for both freight and passenger services.
Importantly, they also bring a strong economic boost to local communities, with hundreds of workers supporting local businesses during the shutdown.
We thank the community for their patience while these important works are carried out."
