30/04/2026
We are at full capacity in all of our properties this weekend for the Australian govt rail shutdown
10:30pm Friday 1 May to 11:00pm Tuesday 5 May, ARTC will carry out a 96-hour βsuper possessionβ, enabling a coordinated program of essential maintenance and major construction works along the critical SydneyβMelbourne freight and passenger rail corridor.
πΈ During this period:
π Buses will replace trains between Moss Vale and Campbelltown
π The rail line will be fully closed from Chullora (NSW) to Melbourne (VIC)
πΈ Project Overview:
SydneyβMelbourne βSuper Possessionβ: This major shutdown will:
π Enable critical maintenance and upgrades
π Improve reliability, capacity, and long-term performance
π Strengthen resilience across this key freight and passenger corridor
πΈ Key Works in the Southern Highlands:
π Bargo β Track Lowering: Addressing defects at the Wellers Rd bridge to restore operational clearances, remove temporary speed restrictions, and reduce braking noise for nearby residents.
π Exeter β Pedestrian Level Crossing Upgrade: Resurfacing to improve safety, particularly during frosty conditions when the crossing can become slippery.
π Wingello & Tallong β Culvert Upgrades: Enhancing drainage and strengthening the track to better withstand heavy rainfall and reduce flood impacts.
π Moss Vale β Turnout and Catchpoint Upgrades Improving reliability, reducing maintenance requirements, and enhancing overall network performance.
πΈ Additional Corridor Upgrades:
π Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities: Installation of new crossovers to allow more efficient movement of freight and passenger services.
π Signalling Upgrades: Modernising ageing infrastructure to reduce failures and improve safety and reliability.
πΈ Community Benefits:
These works will deliver tangible improvements, including:
π Safer crossings
π Reduced noise for residents
π Improved reliability and performance
π Greater resilience to extreme weather
π More efficient rail services supporting local economies and supply chains.
πΈ Additionally, the removal of multiple temporary speed restrictions will support:
π Improved travel times between Sydney and Melbourne
π A smoother and more reliable journey for both passengers and freight