The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is preparing to reopen the Beni Creek rail bridge near Dubbo, restoring a key freight connection across Central West New South Wales ahead of schedule.
The timber bridge was destroyed by a grass fire in December 2025, forcing the closure of the line between Dubbo and Elong Elong and disrupting freight movements to the Port of Newcastle.
Following months of planning, demolition and reconstruction, the new bridge is expected to be ready for testing from 11 May, with normal operations to resume shortly after, subject to commissioning.
The reopening will reinstate a more direct route for regional producers and freight operators transporting goods to market.
During the closure, ARTC worked with customers to maintain supply chains via alternative routes, including the Main Western line and the Inland Rail corridor between Cootamundra West, Parkes and Narromine.
The replacement structure is a two-span concrete ballast top bridge, designed to improve load capacity, reliability and long-term maintenance outcomes.
Under typical conditions, a project of this scale would take up to nine months. However, collaboration between ARTC teams, contractors and design partners has accelerated delivery.
Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations at ARTC, said the project marks an important milestone for the region.
“The reopening of Beni Creek bridge is an important milestone for regional producers, freight operators and communities who rely on this line to move goods safely and efficiently to market,” Crump said.
“ARTC understands how important reliable rail connections are for farmers and freight customers across Central West NSW, particularly when it comes to supporting access to the Port of Newcastle.
“This project has been delivered with strong collaboration, careful planning and a real focus on restoring services as quickly and safely as possible.
“Under normal conditions, a bridge replacement of this nature could take significantly longer, but the work of our teams and contractors has enabled us to bring the line back earlier than initially anticipated.”
Communities and landowners near the corridor are being advised the line will become active again from 11 May, with test trains and track machinery operating during commissioning.
Motorists and pedestrians are urged to remain alert, follow all level crossing controls and avoid entering the rail corridor.
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