Last leg of rail line repair finishes in Rockhampton
Queensland Rail’s North Coast rail line has reopened after two weeks of repair following the destruction caused by Cyclone Debbie.
With flood waters in Rockhampton receding, the rail crew were able to access the “last remaining section of the closed track”, Queensland deputy premier and minister for transport Jackie Trad says.
The minister thanked the rail crew for their efforts in restoring the state’s key rail link.
“This is Queensland’s principal freight line, transporting everything from containerised and industrial freight, minerals, livestock to bulk commodities like sugar and grain,” Trad says.
“So it’s extremely positive for economies across the state that we have freight services moving again.
“I want to thank the Queensland Rail crews who worked day and night, often in challenging conditions, to inspect and repair the line.
“Over the last fortnight, more than 100 people worked tirelessly to repair significant damage and inspect about 1,700 kilometres of track, to ensure safety before services could resume.
“These crews repaired more than 116 washouts on the line, which involved completely rebuilding the foundations and relaying the track in the affected areas.
“The signalling and infrastructure at 67 level crossings had to be tested, and six level crossings required a total re-build.”
Trad urges drivers to be careful around railway level crossings and follow the signs and signals.
“Throughout the last two weeks, damage to level crossings meant the flashing warning lights were displayed fairly consistently,” she says.
“The level crossings along the line have now all been tested, repaired and are operating how they should, so especially now that rail services have resumed, I urge motorists to be vigilant and obey the signs and signals.”