Transport options are being re-opened across New South Wales and Queensland, following on-going works to reopen road and rail connections over the weekend.
More train services will be available today for commuters for flood affected communities across South East Queensland.
Services on the Shorncliffe and Cleveland lines will resume from first service today, after the track, signalling and stations on the line were certified as safe. Peak services every 15 minutes will also be available to customers across the network, to help move people around the city.
The Ipswich and Caboolture line, Airport line between Central and Domestic Terminal, Redcliffe Peninsula and Springfield line and Shorncliffe and Cleveland line will also operate in full. Train services will run to a Saturday timetable outside of peak hours, with some temporary station access changes in place.
Buses will replace rail services on select lines, while repairs continue. The Sunshine Coast line between Caboolture and Nambour, Beenleigh and Ferny Grove line and Gold Coast line between Varsity Lakes and Beenleigh will operate with rail replacement buses.
Ferry services will remain suspended this week as debris is removed and ferry terminal repairs get underway.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey urged regular commuters to hop online and plan their journey ahead of travel this week.
“As our recovery efforts continue, we may be reintroducing services throughout the week so I ask customers to tune into social media and check the TransLink website regularly,” he said.
In New South Wales, road crews are working to reopen 180 kilometres of the Pacific Highway.
Transport for NSW has been able to get crews on the ground assessing, clearing and carrying out immediate repairs to see large sections of the road reopened.
An alternative route for heavy vehicles has been established between Sydney and Brisbane via an inland route leaving the M1 at Grafton via Casino, Lismore and rejoining the M1 just to the north of Ballina.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said drivers needed to continue to take extra care when travelling in these conditions and on unfamiliar routes.
“Where it is safe to do so we are escorting heavy vehicles through closed roads to ensure they can reach communities in need of food and emergency supplies,” he said.
A 60 kilometre section of the road remains closed at Ballina, Maclean and New Italy.
Residents throughout the state are being urged to prepare for more severe weather, with numerous flood warnings still in place across select areas in the region.
Flood warnings are still in place for the Mid North Coast, Hunter and Central Coast areas. Rain has also resulted in renewed rises in river water levels in Greater Sydney.
To stay up-to-date with the latest Bureau of Meteorology warnings, including flood warnings and river levels click here. For storm-related assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app. In a life-threatening situation, always call triple zero (000).
To view real time traffic information in New South Wales, click here.
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