THE AUSTRALIAN Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is hoping the East West rail line will be back in operation this weekend, but warns expected bad weather could cause more delays.
Flooding near Port Augusta in South Australia has closed the line and the ARTC has crews on the ground conducting recovery works.
The corridor remains closed following heavy rainfall and flooding in the region.
In an update on the repair work, the ARTC said a further significant weather system is anticipated to impact similar areas of the network from Friday through to Sunday, which cumulatively could deliver between 150mm and 250mm of rain.
“At this stage, a return to service is anticipated for the coming weekend,” the notice said.
“However, the forecast major rain event may affect recovery activities and reopening timeframes, which remain subject to weather and site conditions.
“All rail services remain suspended on the East West corridor and ARTC is maintaining regular communication with customers and all impacted stakeholders.”