ARTC’s Jonathan Vandervoort, Group Executive Hunter Valley network, said teams had been getting their heavy machinery and materials ready for the 72 hours of critical maintenance taking place from 6.30am on Tuesday until 6.30am on Friday.

The works will take place within the rail corridor from the port at Kooragang to Muswellbrook, along the Ulan rail line and from Muswellbrook north to Narrabri.

ARTC will undertake a range of scheduled maintenance tasks including full track reconstructions, new rail being laid, level crossing improvements, ballast cleaning, rail corridor tidy up works and signaling maintenance.

After a successful closedown in August, Mr Vandervoort said the works were essential to ensure the safety and reliability on one of the busiest rail networks in the country.

The equipment and vehicles which will be used were demonstrated at this year’s Maitland Steamfest and Gunnedah AgQuip, which attracted tens of thousands of people from around the Hunter Valley community and beyond.

“We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding when we spring into action next week,” Mr Vandervoort said.

“By closing sections to rail traffic, our maintenance crews can work safely and efficiently, and more work can be carried out by our crews who will be working around the clock.”

The next major Hunter Valley maintenance works period is currently scheduled for November 20-24.

For further information about the trackwork, visit the calendar which will give you an idea of the work that may be taking place in your area.