- Maintenance works occurring between Kooragang, Narrabri and Ulan
- Major shutdown for 72 hours from Tuesday 19 November to Friday 22 November
- Essential track maintenance will maintain high safety and reliability standards
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will carry out essential maintenance and improvement works across the Hunter Valley network next week to maintain safety and reliability.
During the work the track will be closed between Kooragang and Muswellbrook, and west to Ulan and north to Narrabri from 6:30am on Tuesday 19 November to 6:30am on Friday 22 November.
The shutdown is part of ARTC's planned annual maintenance program and is a significant investment in the network.
More than 800 maintenance activities will be completed, including ballast cleaning, track reconditioning, structure maintenance, signalling maintenance and vegetation control, which will keep the network running safely and efficiently.
At Branxton, the replacement of a second crossover will be undertaken, marking the final stage of a significant upgrade of rail infrastructure at this critical location on the Hunter Valley rail line.
Crossovers allow trains to move in both directions between the up and down main lines. This upgrade will improve asset reliability and availability and helps maintain service flexibility during disruptions, strengthening overall resilience of the network.
ARTC crews will minimise the impact of the work wherever possible, including positioning light towers to shine away from residences, watering down work areas and limiting the number of machines operating at any one time.
Coaches and buses will replace NSW TrainLink services during the trackwork period and customers are encouraged to visit Transportnsw.info or call 13 22 32 for assistance in planning their journey.
Information on road closures or diversions and alternative routes can be found at livetraffic.com. ARTC is reminding motorists and pedestrians to remain vigilant for altered traffic conditions near the rail corridor, pay attention to signage and to obey all road rules at level crossings, with rail machinery active on rail lines.
Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations, ARTC said:
"The rail network requires regular maintenance to ensure that it continues to play a pivotal role in supporting vital links to the region's economic supply chain.
"The program of works is designed to minimise disruption to passenger and freight services and ARTC would like to thank the Hunter Valley community for its patience while these critical, long-term improvements take place."
