The Mount Isa line has reopened, following significant flooding that caused major damage to two kilometres of track between Nelia (east of Julia Creek) and Cloncurry according to Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish.
“Thanks to the hard work of 90 Queensland Rail employees and contractors who were mobilised to accelerate the repair and recovery, the track was able to be reopened in under four weeks, despite challenging weather conditions,” he said.
Recovery works involved clearing fallen trees and debris from the track, repairing 11 significant washouts and scouring and replacing 255 sleepers.
Eight track machines were mobilised and 7,500 tonnes of ballast was poured along the two kilometre stretch of track.
The first train carrying containerised freight went through on the 27th of February.
Inlander services, which have been replaced by road coaches during repairs, will resume normal operation from the 28th of February.
“We are extremely grateful for the hard work of all involved to get the line back up and running as safely and quickly as possible, re-establishing this important freight and passenger connection,” Cornish said.
“We thank our freight partners, passengers, and the community for their patience as we worked to reopen the line.”
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