- The North Coast rail line has reopened following the completion of major track repairs.
- The line has been impacted since last week following extreme rainfall across North Queensland.
- The Mount Isa line remains closed between Richmond and Cloncurry with sections of the track still underwater.
Queensland Rail has reopened the North Coast line following significant flooding, which caused major damage across the corridor.
The first train travelling northbound, loaded with groceries for cut-off communities, went through just after 3pm today (Tuesday 6 January).
Recovery efforts spanned 30 kilometres of track south of Townsville between Nome and Giru including three major washouts totalling 260 metres, in addition to 10 sites affected by scouring and fallen debris.
Queensland Rail Head of Regional, Scott Cornish said despite challenging weather conditions crews worked to safely restore the line for both freight and passenger operations.
"Summer is tough on the rail network, with soaring temperatures and monsoonal rainfall across the regions.
"That's why our crews prepare ahead of time by positioning ballast and machinery for rapid recovery when severe weather hits.
"I'm pleased to see this vital artery connecting Brisbane to Cairns back in operation."
Mr Cornish said the Mount Isa line, which runs from Townsville to Mount Isa, reopened between Hughenden and Richmond today but remained closed between Richmond and Cloncurry, with several sections still underwater.
"Our aerial inspections have identified significant damage across a 100-kilometre stretch, including multiple washouts, extensive scouring, and 15 major sites requiring heavy machinery and large volumes of materials.
"Due to saturated ground conditions, bog mats are being arranged to fast-track safe access for heavy machinery.
"We have teams mobilised at both the western and eastern ends of the Mount Isa line who will work their way inwards to expedite restoration efforts.
"Additionally, teams from South East Queensland, supported by various contractors, have been deployed to bolster the workforce."
Freight operators are continuing to be informed of updates and Inlander customers have been informed that trains are cancelled this week.
