Essential track works are set to be carried out on the Hunter Valley Network from Kooragan to Maitland and Gunnedah, and between Ulan and Turrawan to maintain the safety and reliability of the network.
While the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) undertakes the works, the line will be closed from 6:30am Tuesday 6 February to 6:30pm Friday 9 February.
The shutdown, which is part of ARTC’s annual maintenance program, will see more than 130 jobs and approximately 1,200 staff and contractors mobilised to complete essential work which will keep the network running safely and efficiently.
Works will include:
- Ballast cleaning in Singleton
- Culvert replacement works
- Track rail grinding at multiple locations across the region
- Upgrades to signalling systems
- Track reconditioning work at Breeza, Mangoola and Belford
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.
ARTC Hunter Valley Network Acting Group Executive, Clinton Crump, said that the Hunter Valley 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.
“These works are essential to maintain a high standard of safety and reliability,” Mr Crump said.
“ARTC would like to thank the Hunter Valley community for its patience while these critical, long-term improvements take place.”
