Groceries and essential goods are soon to be back on track along the North Coast rail line with recovery works underway following ex-cyclone Jasper.
At this stage, it is anticipated that the North Coast line between Townsville and Cairns will reopen by Christmas, subject to ongoing weather and ground conditions.
After initial investigations, significant damage to the Kuranda Range was identified including major landslides and washouts, destabilising the foundation of the railway. At this stage, Queensland Rail anticipates the range will remain closed until at least 12 February 2024.
Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said a taskforce of 70 people were working to reopen the line between Townsville and Cairns as safely and as quickly as possible, while inspections continued along the Kuranda Range.
“We understand the importance of our Far North Queensland rail lines for our freight services, long-distance travel and tourism customers," Mr Cornish said.
“Following ex-tropical Cyclone Jasper, we needed to wait for floodwaters to recede before safely undertaking inspections to identify what rectification works were required.
“Between the North Coast line and the Kuranda Range nearly 100 sites were identified for repairs with damage ranging from major track washouts and landslips to uprooted trees and debris fallen across tracks.
“At Liverpool Creek south of Innisfail, a washout was measured at 200 metres long and one metre deep, one of the biggest we have seen. While on the Kuranda Range, helicopter inspections identified major landslips between Barron Falls and Stoney Creek that require further geotechnical investigations.
“Since 20 December, crews have been on site on the North Coast line with excavators and truck tippers to lay down mud pads, commence pouring new ballast and undertake track repairs with two track resurfacing machines brought in from Townsville to complete the job.
"They're bringing in 3,000 cubic metres of ballast, tonnes of road base and flood rock materials for the repairs.
“Queensland Rail is keeping its freight customers informed and has arranged road coaches to convey Spirit of Queensland customers north of Townsville, to ensure they get to their destination."
Mr Cornish thanked crews from Townsville, Ayr, Ingham and Cairns for mobilising so quickly to complete recovery works in challenging circumstances.
“Access to both the North Coast line and Kuranda Range has been particularly challenging due to the saturated ground and humid weather conditions.
“Making sure the lines are safe is the number one priority, so we need to allow time to assess the damage and safely recover the network.
"Queensland Rail will continue to provide updates to the community, customers and freight partners as recovery efforts progress."
Customers booked on a Queensland Rail service in the affected areas are encouraged to visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call Queensland Rail Travel on 1800 803 009.
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