Rail network recovering following extreme weather
The State’s rail network is starting to get back on track following record winds and rainfall, as safety assessments and repair work continues.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said significant progress has been made on the rail recovery program across metropolitan Sydney. “Hundreds of workers are on the ground everyday assessing, clearing and beginning repairs to extensive parts of the network,” Mr Longland said.
“This is an enormous undertaking by our expert teams, who have successfully completed work on the North Shore, Campsie to Birrong and Liverpool to Glenfield rail lines.
“This week, the T1 North Shore line returned to full operation with no speed restrictions following major geotechnical inspections and remediation work. This means customers no longer need to swap trains at North Sydney to reach the city.
“Thanks to the great work of our teams, all areas that had zonal speed restrictions have now had those restrictions lifted.”
NSWTrains Chief Executive Dale Merrick said the biggest challenge for us is still in Richmond and the Blue Mountains, where heavy flooding has caused extensive damage.
“Parts of the T1 Western Line remain closed as we wait for water levels to recede between Schofields and Richmond, and Transport for NSW can get crews in to inspect signal and electrical equipment, remove debris and begin repairs,” Mr Merrick said.
“This week crews have been able to gain a better understanding of the scale of the work on the Blue Mountains line, however there are significant challenges in accessing sites to begin repairs on a rail line that traverses through steep rock cuttings and numerous tunnels.
“We do expect repairs on the two lines will take some time, but we are working towards a staged approach to re-opening the track, that will initially allow limited services on some sections shortly.
“Thank you to customers for working with us during this time and we will provide a forecast for opening these sections of the line as soon as we can.”
Buses continue to replace trains between Richmond and Schofields and between Emu Plains and Penrith. Replacement bus services are also running between Penrith and Katoomba and Katoomba and Lithgow. Customers are reminded to please allow extra travel time and plan ahead at transportnsw.info and using live apps.
Vision of rail and road damage and repairs can be downloaded here.