• Rail maintenance works occurring at various locations between Sydney and Melbourne• Three-day shutdown from 11pm Friday 2 September to 6pm Monday 5 September• Essential track works will maintain high safety and reliability standards across the network
Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will be carrying out essential rail maintenance and improvement works this coming weekend on the main ARTC line as part of the annual 'Super Possession' between Sydney and Melbourne.
Works will commence from 11:00pm Friday 2nd September and continue through until 6:00pm Monday 5th September with nightworks taking place in some locations.
The maintenance works will take place between Melbourne and Albury, Albury to Moss Vale and Cootamundra to Parkes.
ARTC workers have been carrying out minor preparation works in the lead up to the shutdown commencing and there will be a post work site clean-up. All preparation and clean-up work will be completed during standard construction hours.
ARTC's General Manager Asset Maintenance Services – Interstate, Costas Kokkoni said: "The ongoing program of maintenance works maintains a high standard of safety and reliability across the network.
"This year's works include track re-railing, resurfacing, and reconditioning, as well as drainage restoration, track ballasting, turnout maintenance and bridge maintenance.
"ARTC makes the most of these short windows to carry out jobs in a planned approach that minimises the impact of major works on train operations and reduces the potential for unplanned downtime on these sections of the rail corridor.
"The maintenance program requires track closures to allow access to the tracks for works that cannot be done safely when trains are running.
"ARTC has made every effort to minimise impacts to services and we thank the community for its patience while these critical, long-term improvements are underway.
"We also ask people in communities close to the rail corridor to be cautious during the shutdown period and keep an eye out for increased vehicle movements in and out of work sites."
