A 16-metre-deep sink hole is being filled in as part of the NSW Government’s works to repair and reopen the critical western rail freight line.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway visited Leura and received an update from Transport for NSW (TfNSW) on repair works.
“The Blue Mountains rail line is a critical freight corridor linking east with west so the TfNSW team has been working 24/7 to get the line reopened,” Mr Farraway said.
“The extent of weather damage across hundreds of metres of track, culminating in the 16-metre sink hole, is staggering. Ballast and the track base underneath was washed away, and a culvert was damaged close to the Great Western Highway.
“TfNSW and Sydney Trains have had to effectively rebuild the entire section of track, while filling in the sink hole and ensuring the area is stable for trains to run on.
“The team has done a great job and removed more than 500 tonnes of debris and we expect to be able to open the line to freight this Saturday, 26 March then to limited diesel-powered regional passenger trains such as the XPT, Bathurst Bullet, Dubbo and Broken Hill services on Monday, 28 March.
“As the electrical services are still out, the intercity fleet are expected to be back online on Friday, 8 April.”
Mr Farraway said extra resources had been deployed to fix the sink hole and surrounding areas.
“Almost 200 staff are working to restore the line using 53 items of heavy machinery, including cranes, concrete pumps, tip trucks, vacuum trucks and excavators,” Mr Farraway said.
The Blue Mountains Line is currently closed between Emu Plains and Lithgow.
Transport for NSW is working on a staged approach to re-opening the track to allow limited intercity passenger shuttle services between Penrith and Springwood this week, with buses continuing to replace trains between Springwood and Lithgow.
Customers are reminded to please allow extra travel time and plan ahead at www.transportnsw.info
and using live apps.
