The 72-hour scheduled project, between 6.30am on Tuesday, February 19, and 6.30am on Friday, February 22, will affect passenger services and commuters are urged to check timetables.

“Maintenance and enhancement work will occur on the coal network at Kooragang and up along the main line, splitting at Muswellbrook out to Ulan and Narrabri,” ARTC group executive for the Hunter Valley Network Jonathan Vandervoort said.

“During the three days of the shutdown we will be undertaking essential work that can be done in a safer environment with fewer or no trains operating on the network. 

“This includes ballast cleaning, re-railing, track re-conditioning and bridge renewal works.

“On the Ulan line, enhancements to the signalling systems for the Kerrabee to Sandy Hollow section are aimed at providing increased efficiencies on the network. 

“This is the first stage of these particular signalling upgrades, which will also be implemented on other sections of the network.

“At Glennies Creek Bridge, about 10km west of Singleton, there will also be structural work (stringer replacement) continuing. 

“These projects form part of the some 120 different jobs that will be delivered over the three days – injecting about $20 million into the Hunter community.”

Mr Vandervoort encouraged anyone travelling in the vicinity of the works to take care.

“We ask people in communities close to the rail corridor to be cautious during the shutdown period and keep an eye out for increased vehicle movements in and out of work sites,” he said.

“There will be in excess of 1200 people carrying out these necessary activities, which help maintain a high standard of safety and reliability, and we appreciate the patience and cooperation of commuters and our customers.”

With the shutdown affecting Hunter Valley train services, alternative bus services will be provided and details and schedules can be found at the Transport for NSW website.