WEST Australian branches of supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths have shifted to additional trucking capacity to maintain WA supply as work on the east-west railway continues in the wake of a partial derailment in South Australia.
Both supermarket chains have also upgraded their storage capacity following previous rail and road transport disruptions to minimise shelf shortages.
Rail operator ARTC has confirmed that all derailed wagons have now been removed and track rebuild work is in progress.
Extreme heat and strong winds though are slowing crews down with temperatures in the mid‑40s making conditions difficult for heavy machinery and recovery teams.
The east–west rail corridor remains closed and network operations are still fully suspended for all major national freight routes.
Estimated reopening is still Saturday evening, 10 January, but this is subject to recovery progress, safety inspections and weather conditions.
Emergency services and ARTC have confirmed there were no crew injuries and no hazardous material leaks.
Rail safety regulator ONRSR has begun an investigation into the derailment.
Allen Newton
