The Central West Line between Emerald and Winton has re-opened after extensive flood damage cut the track for more than six weeks.
Regular services will resume, which will see the Spirit of the Outback as well as freight trains back on track as of yesterday.
Queensland Rail Chief Executive Officer Paul Scurrah said repair crews in central Queensland have been working as quickly as possible to re-open the track west of Emerald after it was damaged by flooding after Christmas.
“Queensland Rail crews started repairing the track as soon as the flood waters receded,” said Mr Scurrah.
“However, the repair and reconstruction work could only be finalised after the track between Rockhampton and Emerald re-opened and allowed repair trains to get through to the damaged sections.”
“The good news is freight and passenger services will now resume and we can get communities west of Emerald back on track.”
While repair works were being carried out, Queensland Rail continued Spirit of the Outback services – using road coaches to transport passengers between Emerald and Longreach.
The first Spirit of the Outback train through to Longreach departed from Brisbane on Saturday 19th February at 1:10pm.
