Freight operations have returned to full capacity on the New South Wales Main Western Rail Line, with repairs being fast-tracked following damage caused by extreme weather in the Blue Mountains.
The Blue Mountains rail line is a vital link in the national supply chain connecting thousands of regional exporters and importers and primary producers to ports, processing plants, freight terminals and mills across New South Wales. More than 60,000 tonnes of commodities are hauled across the Blue Mountains line weekly.
Damage to the rail line was caused by extreme weather earlier this month resulting in a landslip between Blackheath and Mount Victoria
Since the completion of repairs, 76 freight trains have transported essential supplies and raw materials over the mountains.
Sydney Trains crews, including workers from Greater Sydney, Wollongong and the Central Coast, worked over four weeks to safely restore the line.
Embankment repairs required around 40,000 tonnes of gabion rock, which was sourced from quarries including near Kiama on the South Coast and Marangaroo and Oberon in the Central West.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said trains have transported coal, grain, bulk materials and general freight safely since the repairs were completed.
“Once again, this vital rail line is connecting the Central West to our domestic and international markets. It is great news the Main Western line is back to 100 per cent freight capacity,” Farraway said.
Commuters returning to regional and intercity passenger services on the line are advised to plan ahead and visit transportnsw.info for up-to-date travel information.
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