- More than 11 kilometres of new rail to improve reliability and reduce delays on the North Coast line
- Track and bridge repairs to strengthen the railway and help prevent speed restrictions
- Around 250 workers across 57 sites on the North Coast and Hunter Valley networks
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will replace 11.5 kilometres of rail, undertake major track repairs and carry out essential signalling and maintenance along the North Coast and Hunter Valley lines this weekend, helping build a stronger, more reliable railway.
The works, taking place from Saturday 31 October to Monday 2 November, will target sections of track that need renewal, helping prevent future delays, reducing the risk of unexpected disruptions, and improving journeys for passenger and freight trains.
ARTC is delivering the works through its annual maintenance program and the almost $2.8 billion Network Investment Program, a joint initiative with the Australian Government.
Crews will replace rail at Nana Glen, Glenreagh, Kungala and Braunstone, while also carrying out important repairs to bridges and other rail infrastructure.
At Nambucca Heads and Grafton, workers will replace worn parts of the track that allow trains to move between different lines, helping trains travel safely and smoothly.
Crews will also remove old, muddy ballast rock from beneath the tracks near Taree and replace it with fresh stone to make the track stronger and more stable.
Rail grinding will smooth worn sections of track, helping extend the life of the railway and reduce the need for future repairs.
At the same time, ARTC will carry out essential maintenance on the Hunter Valley rail network.
These works include track repairs, rail grinding, signal maintenance, bridge inspections and vegetation clearing to keep the network safe and reliable.
Around 250 workers will deliver the coordinated program across 57 sites during the shutdown.
The works will take place between:
- North Coast line - Telarah (NSW) to Acacia Ridge (QLD): 5:00am Saturday 31 October to 1:00am Monday 2 November.
- Hunter Valley line - Newcastle to Maitland (NSW): 3:00am Saturday 31 October to 1:00am Monday 2 November.
The program will also support regional communities, including Gloucester, Taree, Kempsey, Nambucca Heads, Braunstone and Grafton, with workers using local accommodation, hospitality and other services.
ARTC will work to reduce noise, light and dust during the shutdown.
Coaches will replace NSW TrainLink services during the works. Passengers should plan ahead at transportnsw.info or call 13 22 32.
Information on road closures and diversions is available at livetraffic.com.
Motorists and pedestrians should take care near the railway, follow signs and obey road rules at level crossings.
For updates, visit the ARTC Trackwork website or call the Community Line on 1300 550 402.
Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations, ARTC, said:
"These works are about building a stronger North Coast railway that passengers and freight operators can rely on for years to come.
"Through our almost $2.8 billion Network Investment Program, we're working with the Australian Government to tackle the causes of delays and deliver lasting improvements to the network.
"At the same time, our crews will carry out important maintenance across the Hunter Valley to keep one of Australia's busiest freight networks running safely and efficiently."
