Repairs to the Mount Isa to Townsville line have been completed on schedule, following a derailment of an Aurizon freight train near Charters Towers on Wednesday December 30.
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Queensland Rail's Acting CEO Kat Stapleton said by working in collaboration with Aurizon, a taskforce of 50 people repaired the line in less than a week, despite challenging wet weather conditions.
"We are extremely thankful for the hard work of all involved in the line's recovery, especially during the holiday season," Ms Stapleton said.
"Over the past six days, crews have worked to repair the rail infrastructure, including the replacement of culvert piping, track, ballast and sleepers which were stored locally, fast-tracking the recovery efforts.
Queensland Rail is working towards the gradual resumption of freight and passenger services on the Mount Isa line as soon as it is safe to do so, however due to heavy rainfall in the region, services remain impacted."
Queensland Rail is working closely with freight partners to ensure the quick resumption of freight services along the line, restoring this critical link for regional communities and economies.
Ms Stapleton said the Inlander passenger service, which operated two return trips per week, would be replaced by road coaches where conditions were safe to do so.
"We would also like to thank neighbouring owners, customers, freight partners, contractors, and the community for their ongoing patience and assistance as we work to restore these services," Ms Stapleton said.
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