The Western railway line reopened today, three months earlier than originally forecast, with the first coal train passing through Toowoomba this morning.
Premier Anna Bligh and Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the reopening of the Western line would reconnect vital freight trains to towns all the way out to Quilpie, as well as the South Western line, which connects Toowoomba to Thallon via Warwick.
“Queensland Rail has worked quickly and safely to ensure essential services carrying coal, grain, livestock and general freight can be transported again by rail, and we are glad we can get the region reconnected and moving again,” Ms Bligh said.
“Given that works of this complexity and scale would usually take longer than six months to complete, Queensland Rail crews have put in an extraordinary effort to reopen the line well ahead of schedule.
Minister Palaszczuk said there were more than 260 individual sites that required repairs in the Toowoomba Range alone, including sections of track that had to be entirely rebuilt.
“More than 30 kilometres of track has been entirely resurfaced, using 2,266 new sleepers. The total amount of rock and ballast hauled into the Range for this project would fill nearly 227 Olympic sized swimming pools,” she said.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said the early reopening was testament to the Government’s commitment to help communities recover from the floods as quickly as possible.
“Approximately 250 Queensland Rail and Thiess employees worked throughout the Toowoomba Range and I commend them on their efforts,” Mr Shine said.
Mr Shine said with the line reopening people should take care at level crossings.
“Many residents may not have seen a train pass through their town for nearly three months, so I urge everyone not to be complacent – a train can pass through the rail corridor and level crossings anywhere, at anytime,” he said.
“Students at Grandchester State School will this morning receive a RailSmart presentation, a state-wide program which aims to raise public awareness of rail safety issues.
“Last month, Queensland Rail community educators travelled to Toowoomba State High School, Toowoomba North State School, Rangeville State School, Laidley State School, Forest Hill State School, Grantham State School and Concordia College Toowoomba.”
