Two years of rail work in 20 days
TWO years of work will be completed in just 20 days as part of a $25m investment in the Mount Isa rail line.
Queensland Rail head of regional Jim Benstead said for the first time in its history, Queensland Rail would close the Mount Isa line for two 10day periods to allow for 24km of track upgrades.
“As part of this $25m investment, 24km of track stretching from Cloncurry to Mount Isa will be replaced with new concrete sleepers and ballast as well as 10km of new rail to bolster safety and reliability on the line ahead of the busy dry season,” Mr Benstead said.
The first shutdown is occurring now, and will be complete on May 26. The second will occur from June 6 to 15.
Mr Benstead said an influx of Queensland Rail staff and contractors to North West Queensland would take place to complete the works with all accommodation and hire cars booked out during the closures.
“A task force of more than 200 Queensland Rail employees and contractors will be staying and spending in Mount Isa and Cloncurry, which will be a great support to the many local businesses still bouncing back from the impacts of Covid-19,” he said.