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Following further assessment of the train derailment near Mount Christie South Australia, ARTC h as found the damage to the rail and the logistics involved in recovering the fallen wagons quite serious.
As of 2100 hours this evening, it is estimated that the line will be open to rail traffic on the afternoon of Saturday the 6th of September.
A number of factors have led to the weekend operational estimate. Once the Australian Transport Safety Bureau handed the site over to the ARTC assessment team, it was discovered that the west end points had been severely damaged and in need of replacement.
In addition approximately 2.2km of track has been damaged on the east side of the east end turnout. This can currently be traversed with a temporary speed restriction of 20km/hr However, there was an additional 300mtrs of damaged track west of the west end points.
The extent of the ‘wagon fall’ from the derailment will also require a significant recovery effort.
Three cranes are en route to the site and will commence work removing the damaged wagons and spilled goods from 1100 hours tomorrow.
ARTC led teams will work as swiftly as possible to remove the de-railed wagons and repair the track,
Background
At approximately 2130 Monday night a train from Melbourne bound for Western Australia derailed on the East West rail line near Mount Christie, between Tarcoola and Cook in South Australia.
The intermodal train carrying goods to Perth was proceeding into a passing loop in order to cross with a train travelling in the opposite direction.
Approximately 20m before the loop, 12 of the train’s wagons derailed, falling onto their sides and blocking the line.
The oncoming train was immediately halted.
There were no injuries associated with this incident.