THE Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is anticipating services will resume on the Sandy Hollow-Gulgong line early next week following a coal train derailment west of Denman on Wednesday morning.
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The incident occurred near Baerami and, luckily, no-one was injured.
The train, owned by Pacific National, was returning from the Moolarben coal mine, north-east of Mudgee.
The company confirmed the last six wagons came off the tracks at about 3.30am.
But, the clean-up still continues, with significant delays for the busy Mudgee-Newcastle coal route.
“The derailment site was handed back to the ARTC by the independent rail safety investigator and regulator at about 5.40pm on February 6,” an ARTC spokesperson said.
“Good progress was made overnight and a range of work is now underway.
“The recovery of the six wagons from the track is expected to start today for removal within the next 24 hours, allowing for track and signalling repairs to begin.
“Approximately 1.7 kilometres of track will need to be repaired, including the replacement of sleepers and rail.
“The current forecast for services is to resume is early next week, subject to all works going well.
“While the recovery of the derailment site and repair works is underway, the ARTC will also take the opportunity to repair and improve the condition to the level crossing at Rosemount Road, Denman.
“Motorists are advised there are detours via the Golden Highway and traffic management will be in place.”
