- 'Super possession' improvement works will close ARTC Sydney to Melbourne line for 60 hours
- Rail line closed from 6:00am Saturday 23 September until 6:00pm Monday 25 September
- Part of a works program to improve network resilience and reliability
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will carry out essential rail maintenance and improvement works on the main railway line between Sydney and Melbourne, and Cootamundra and Parkes.
As part of the ARTC 'Super Possession', the line will be closed for three days, from 6:00am Saturday 23 September until 6:00pm Monday 25 September to improve safety and reliability across the network.
Works include reconditioning 200km of existing rail, installing 30km of new rail, track tamping, as well as structure repairs, turnout maintenance and mudhole removal. Routine track maintenance activities will be completed, along with signaling works, and vegetation control.
The works are part of ARTC's additional investment over the next three years to improve network resilience, further helping to reduce speed restrictions.
During this period, up to 150 staff will also carry out works on the Cabramatta Loop Project. The Australian Government is fully funding ARTC to deliver the project, which will increase rail freight capacity and efficiency by allowing freight trains travelling in either direction to pass each other.
Significant construction work will also be undertaken at Inland Rail sites in Victoria. Bridge beams spanning the rail corridor will be installed at Glenrowan, thousands of tonnes of soil will be removed to lower the track under the Murray Valley Highway at Barnawartha North, and construction will commence on the new pedestrian underpass at Wangaratta.
Early works will also commence at a number of Inland Rail sites across New South Wales, including replacement of culverts at Daroobalgie, and track slewing and resurfacing works at both the Caragabal and Bribbaree yards.
Road coaches will replace trains on all NSW TrainLink and V/Line Albury line services. Customers can contact www.transportnsw.info or call 13 22 22 (NSW), or contact V/Line, 1800 800 007 (VIC) for service status updates and any alternate transport arrangements.
ARTC General Manager Asset Maintenance Services - Interstate, Costas Kokkoni said:
"This Super Possession will see $18 million worth of essential track maintenance works completed from Sydney to Melbourne, to maintain a high standard of safety and reliability across the network.
"In addition to this, works will be completed on ARTC major construction projects, and Inland Rail projects, totaling 160 worksites along the corridor in New South Wales and Victoria.
"ARTC would like to thank the community for their patience while these critical, long-term improvements take place."
