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