Queensland Rail’s clean-up and repair crews are working hard to assess critical rail infrastructure, to enable South East Queensland rail services to return as soon as it is safe to do so.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said now that the initial network inspections had now been completed, detailed programs of work were being developed.
“There is a lot of damage to our rail network as a result of the rain bomb, so our priority remains on the safe repair of that damage,” Mr Bailey said.
“Right across the network, we’re seeing landslips, washouts and sinkholes, parts of track still flooded, damage to overhead power lines and significant debris.
“There’s damage to the signalling, pot holes at level crossings and even several vehicles in the rail corridor, swept there by floodwaters.”
Mr Bailey said 61 of Queensland Rail’s South East Queensland stations were still inaccessible.
Other damage included:
- Debris on the track at Rosewood
- Embankment washout and overhead electrical mast down between Ipswich and Thomas Street stations
- Embankment landslide at Riverview
- Sink hole at Toowong
- Flooded tracks at Tennison
- Water over tracks at Holmview
- Ballast washout at Samford Road level crossing, Ferny Grove
- Embankment washout at Kedron Brooke
- Embankment washout at Wooloowin
- Ballast washout at multiple locations on the Shorncliffe line
- Embankment washout at Wynnum
“We know that at least ten station buildings are damaged, including lifts and subways, with Rocklea and Beenleigh stations some of the worst affected,” Mr Bailey said.
“The derailed freight train also remains at Traveston, where receded floodwaters and improved ground conditions are now allowing recovery works to get underway.
“Some of our train crew depots and stabling yards were also inundated by water, with some still inaccessible and without power.
“The network is also experiencing power outages at critical locations, including at its heart in the Mayne Yard.
“Like many people across South East Queensland, some of our teams are also still isolated due to flood waters.”
Mr Bailey thanked regular rail users for their ongoing patience.
“I want to assure every person that we are doing everything we can to get trains back on track,” he said.
“It’s an enormous task and we will not compromise on safety.
“Services will not operate tomorrow (Wednesday) while we gather more information on recovery timelines.”
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