Aurizon suspends rail and road operations between Brisbane to Bowen as storm heads southwards
Queensland Rail (QR) and Aurizon have confirmed that sections on the North Coast and Mount Isa lines are now operational following safety assessments yesterday.
However, Aurizon’s four coal rail systems – Newlands, Goonyella, Blackwater and Moura – on the Central Queensland Coal Network have been closed, and rail and road operations between Brisbane and Bowen suspended until further notice.
While certain sections of the route are still not accessible for inspection due to severe weather conditions and localised flooding, track inspectors are performing safety checks where possible, a QR spokesperson informs ATN.
Aurizon plans to conduct aerial inspections of the Goonyella and Newlands corridor today, weather permitting.
“This will provide an initial assessment of any damage or flooding on the rail corridor and allow Aurizon to plan any recovery work that is required,” an Aurizon spokesperson says.
Yesterday, QR track inspection crews were sent from Rockhampton, Proserpine, Ayr and Townsville, to complete full inspections of these sections, including “the track and level crossing infrastructure, assessing damage, removing debris, and starting to plan any required repairs”.
Following successful inspection, the section between Townsville to Cardwell re-opened at 11.45am, while the Townsville and Charters Towers on the Mount Isa line re-opened at 1.30pm.
Both sections, including the Rockhampton and Cardwell section on the North Coast line, were closed on Monday in preparation for the cyclone.
QR says its crews will work as “quickly and safely as possible to complete the track inspections and re-open the line as soon as we can”.
“The North Coast line remains closed between Rockhampton and Townsville, while track inspections continue in these areas where possible,” the spokesperson says.
“Ensuring the safety of our people and customers remains our number one priority in our recovery efforts after Cyclone Debbie.”
Reiterating its focus on employee safety, Aurizon states that on-ground inspections will be carried “once it is safe to do so”.
“Aurizon will continue to work with Queensland Rail as the infrastructure owner of the North Coast Line and Central West Line in respect to closures of the network.”