Tarro Rail Bridge repairs underway, more Hunter train services to run from Monday
Repairs to Tarro Rail Bridge have started following ongoing engineering assessments, while commuters using trains on the Hunter Line will benefit from extra services next week.
An assessment carried out by specialist engineers yesterday morning allowed Transport for NSW crews to get remediation works underway on top of the bridge last night.
Transport for NSW Acting Chief Customer Officer Roger Weeks said works have commenced to lanes already closed to traffic, with further work planned to occur over the coming days.
“The work required to be done before Tarro Rail Bridge can reopen to four lanes of traffic is now underway, with Transport for NSW crews onsite late yesterday to carry out these urgent safety repairs,” Mr Weeks said.
“We urge motorists to consider the safety of road crews and drive to the conditions, with instructions signposted to traffic coming from each direction via electronic messaging boards.
“The restrictions are in place for the safety of all road users, which remains our top priority. We acknowledge the disruption this is causing motorists, freight operators and businesses.
“We will keep the community updated on progress to restore the Tarro Rail Bridge back to normal operation for all road users.”
The over rail bridge is expected to remain open to motorists under restrictions before repair works are completed in the coming weeks.
Transport for NSW is working to restore the bridge, located along the New England Highway between Hexham and Maitland, as soon as possible and is working closely with maintenance contractor UGL Regional Linx and the Australian Rail Track Corporation to undertake the necessary repair works.
Additional controls over the Tarro Rail Bridge remain in place to restrict access for heavy vehicles of 69 tonne and above, as well as all Class 1 oversize and over mass movements. Transport for NSW encourages all other heavy vehicle operators to consider using an alternative route if possible to avoid congestion in the area and minimise impact.
From Monday extra trains will operate on the Hunter Line to provide additional capacity and more travel options for commuters using rail services while the bridge restrictions are in place.
There has been a significant increase in rail patronage during the peak periods since the bridge restrictions came into effect. In response to the increased demand, NSW TrainLink has arranged for an additional two carriage train, with capacity for up to 180 passengers, to run in the weekday AM and PM peaks from Monday 23 October until further notice.
An additional service will depart Maitland at 7:01am on Monday 23 October only, then at 6:55am all following days, stopping at the usual express service stops and arrive at Newcastle Interchange soon after 7.30am. In the afternoon, an extra service will depart Newcastle Interchange at 4:22pm, stopping at the usual express stops, and arrive at Maitland at 4:53pm.
Mr Weeks said Transport for NSW had listened to the Hunter community who use rail services and will add 10 more weekday train services to the timetable for as long as they are needed to ensure people can get where they need to go safely.
“Having an extra service leaving Maitland around 7am allows commuters another option to get to work and other activities in Newcastle early in the day, and the additional outbound service from Newcastle gives people an opportunity to catch a train home before 5pm,” Mr Weeks said.
“In addition to these extra services, NSW TrainLink has amended the timetable temporarily so all Maitland to Newcastle services stop at all stations during the AM and PM peaks.
“I urge all commuters, road and rail, to plan ahead and travel at times that will help reduce the pressure on the network while these crucial safety repairs are carried over the coming weeks.”
People can visit Transportnsw.info, TripPlanner and other travel apps to plan their trip.
*Vision and images available to download here:www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/zqrjxelors5iuu0spnigz/h?rlkey=kc2vup18awsishvys711rl4d4&dl=0