Statement on East-West rail corridor flood impact – network update

The Australian Track Corporation is restoring critical rail links to keep Australia's national supply chain moving following severe weather that has impacted key road and rail infrastructure.

The Melbourne to Perth rail corridor was returned to service yesterday, re-establishing a vital east-west freight link between the eastern states and Western Australia.

The Sydney to Perth corridor (via Broken Hill) has sustained more significant impacts. Inspections have confirmed severe damage to rail infrastructure including structural damage to a rail bridge caused by flash flooding.

Due to the complexity of the bridge remediation works required, the corridor is expected to remain closed for approximately two to four weeks.

ARTC has engaged specialist engineers to support the repair of the bridge and is reviewing options to safely expedite these works.

Elsewhere along the track, recovery works are underway, with crews, contractors and specialised equipment mobilised to restore the corridor to service.

ARTC is also working closely with freight operators to explore opportunities for additional services between Melbourne and Adelaide, supporting services that normally travel Sydney to Perth via Broken Hill to be rerouted through Melbourne and Adelaide where capacity allows.

Importantly, the Adelaide to Darwin rail corridor also remains open, ensuring continued freight connectivity to and from the Territory.

ARTC remains in direct communication with customers and will provide further updates as recovery progresses.