Track Work Next Week

BUS services will replace some TrainLink services next week as more than 1,000 contractors work to complete more than 100 projects on the Hunter Valley rail network.

The $20 million worth of track work will occur during October 11 to 14 and the consolidated work program is designed to keep the third busiest rail network running smoothly, explained Jonathan Vandervoort, the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s executive general manager – Hunter Valley.

“These network-wide track maintenance works are part of an intricately planned schedule, taking into account the needs of the coal network as well as other events, such as avoiding school holiday periods,” said Mr Vandervoort.

“Our focus is on safe, continuous and reliable operations and this maintenance shutdown is critical to ensuring the Hunter coal chain runs as seamlessly as possible,” he said.

“We’d like to thank the community for their patience with us while this important work is delivered and we also ask motorists to take extra care and be cautious of trucks entering and exiting work sites,” Jonathan Vandervoort said.

The Hunter Valley maintenance shutdown will take place in the rail corridor from Kooragang Island, North to Narrabri and between Muswellbrook and Ulan on the Ulan line.

The next major Hunter Valley maintenance works period is currently scheduled for November 21-25 to avoid the Christmas – New Year holiday period.

The first major shutdown in 2017 will be in late February.

Passengers are encouraged to check services before travelling: Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink.