- Rail maintenance works occurring from Albury to Moss Vale and Cootamundra to Parkes
- Three-day shutdown from 6am Saturday 5 September to 6pm Monday 7 September
Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) workers will be carrying out essential rail maintenance and enhancement works next weekend on the main railway line between Albury to Moss Vale and Cootamundra to Parkes as part of our annual ‘Super Possession’.
From 6:00am Saturday 5 September until 6:00pm Monday 7 September, the ARTC will run its massive annual maintenance program between Moss Vale and Albury and from Cootamundra to Parkes.
ARTC’s General Manager of Asset Management – Interstate, Brian Green said there is an ongoing program of maintenance works in order to maintain a high standard of safety and reliability across our network.
“This year’s works include track re-railing, resurfacing and reconditioning, as well as level crossing upgrades, track ballasting, turnout maintenance and bridge maintenance,” Mr Green said.
“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.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and as always we appreciate the patience and cooperation of motorists, commuters and customers right across the maintenance program.
“Our work teams will endeavor to minimise any noise and disruptions the works may cause.
“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.”
In addition to the shutdown, there will be preparatory work along the rail lines in the lead up to the works from 29 August, as well as some demobilisation work set to occur during standard working hours following the shutdown until 11 September. These works should see minimal impact to the community.
Mr Green said the shutdown of the network is required for works to be carried out as safely as possible.
“COVID-19 requires ongoing vigilance in many aspects. The health and safety throughout the works is of critical importance so we have ongoing strict hygiene protocols in place to minimise potential risks to the community and the teams involved in the maintenance shutdown,” he said.
“All of the combined frontline teams continue to practice social distancing and minimising interactions with the local community. For example, where we previously we would have door knocked to inform nearby neighbours of the upcoming works, we will do a letterbox drop of information flyers instead.”
Passenger services are impacted, and replacement coaches will be operating. More information can be found at www.transportnsw.info for NSW TrainLink services.
More information is available on the ARTC website. Community members can also contact ARTC Enviroline on 1300 550 402 or email enviroline@artc.com.au if they have questions about the works.
ENDS
Media contact: ARTC media team 1300 196 401