A 16-metre-deep sink hole is being filled in as part of works to repair and reopen the critical western rail freight line.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway visited Leura on Tuesday for an update on repair works.
“The Blue Mountains rail line is a critical freight corridor linking east with west so the Transport for NSW (TfNSW) team has been working 24/7 to get the line reopened,” Sam said.
“The extent of weather damage across hundreds of metres of track, culminating in the 16-metre sink hole, is staggering.Ballast and the track base underneath was washed away, and a culvert was damaged close to the Great Western Highway.”
“TfNSW and Sydney Trains have had to effectively rebuild the entire section of track, while filling in the sink hole and ensuring the area is stable for trains to run on.
More than 500 tonnes of debris have been removed with almost 200 staff using 53 items of heavy machinery. The line is expected to open to freight tomorrow, and to limited diesel-powered regional passenger trains such as the XPT, Bathurst Bullet, Dubbo and Broken Hill services on Monday, 28th March.
“As the electrical services are still out, the intercity fleet are expected to be back online on Friday, 8th April.”
“I have been meeting frequently with the freight industry and know how critical this route is as part of their supply chains to deliver the primary products like food, minerals and coal to the industries that rely on them.
“I thank the freight industry for its patience and collaboration during this difficult time,” Sam said.
The Blue Mountains Line is currently closed between Emu Plains and Lithgow.