STORMS have delayed rail recovery works at the site of a train collision and derailment in Queensland.
The rail corridor between Rockhampton and Gladstone has been closed since 29 January, when an Aurizon coal train and a Pacific National freight train collided.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator are investigating the incident but have released the site to track operator Aurizon for recovery works.
In an update on Monday (6 February), Aurizon said it has completed the removal of damaged rollingstock.
Repair of overhead power and electric masts and the restoration of the track infrastructure is still in progress.
Aurizon said recovery works involve replacing two kilometres of rail, inserting more than 2000 new concrete sleepers, laying 2300 tonnes of ballast, replacing at least 12 electrical masts and replacing 1.5 kilometres of each of four types of overhead wire.
“Rail crews together with external contractors have been mobilised to work 24/7 on the recovery, ensuring the work is delivered safely and within all fatigue requirements,” Aurizon wrote in the update.
“Significant rainfall over recent days, including several lightning storms which required workers to leave the site, has hampered recovery works.
“Aurizon has maximum resources deployed to the site and is seeking opportunities to recover lost time.”
Aurizon said it now estimates the track will reopen to trains by the end of this week. Its previous estimation was Thursday 9 February.
“This schedule remains subject to weather conditions allowing recovery work to continue unimpeded and any other unforeseen damage/issues emerging through the recovery process.
“Aurizon continues to liaise with customers on the delivery of the recovery works.”
