Recovery from the recent North Queensland flood event continues to progress with the news the North Coast rail line between Townsville and Cairns reopened over the weekend.
Damage to the line caused by flooding saw it closed for a month, but its reopening will allow freight services between Brisbane and Cairns to recommence and further aid the flood recovery.
The closure of rail lines and collapse of the Ollera Creek Bridge saw significant parts of North and Far North Queensland cut off from the rest of the country and in need of supplies following the weather event.
164 sites on the North Coast line underwent repairs including culvert repairs, bridge rebuilds, resurfacing works and new formation in several locations along what was almost seven kilometres of damage to the line.
“The North Coast line runs the length of coastal Queensland and spans 1600 track kilometres,” Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish says. “Inspecting and repairing so much track and damage has been a mammoth job.
“We know how important this vital link is in connection our communities and I want to thank our hard-working crews who have done an incredible job.
“We are so pleased this containerised freight, sugar, grain and livestock, as well as our Spirit of Queensland services, can run again from Brisbane to Cairns.”
With the resumption of rail traffic on the North Coast Line – as well as the recently reopened Central West Line between Longreach and Winton – motorists and heavy vehicle operators have been urged to remain vigilant around level crossings.
“Safety is our number one priority, and we are reminding road users to take care around level crossings now that trains are passing through once again,” Cornish says.
“Please look out for trains and pay attention to the signs and signals in place for everyone’s safety.
Read more ATN:
Patterson Cheney opens new Melbourne branch
CTI Logistics positioning for national operations growth
Spirit IV ‘fiasco’ continues