North Coast line reopens as Queensland Rail restores services

North Coast line reopens after severe weather left parts of Queensland Rail’s corridor heavily damaged, with services now restored along the route, according to a Queensland Rail media release.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The first northbound train, carrying groceries for communities cut off by flooding, travelled through shortly after 3pm on January 6, as reported by Rail Express.

Queensland Rail flood damage and recovery south of Townsville

Recovery crews were mobilised across 30 kilometres of track south of Townsville, working between Nome and Giru. Their efforts covered three major washouts totalling 260 metres, plus 10 more locations affected by scouring and fallen debris.

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Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said teams pushed through difficult conditions to safely return the line to service for both freight and passenger operations. He also pointed to the challenges summer brings—high temperatures and monsoonal rainfall—and said ballast and machinery are positioned ahead of time to support rapid recovery when severe weather hits.

Cornish said he was pleased to see the key Brisbane to Cairns connection back in operation.

Mount Isa line closure between Richmond and Cloncurry

Cornish said the Mount Isa line, linking Townsville and Mount Isa, reopened between Hughenden and Richmond yesterday (January 6). The section between Richmond and Cloncurry, however, remained closed, with several stretches still underwater.

Queensland Rail’s aerial inspections identified significant damage across a 100-kilometre stretch, including multiple washouts, extensive scouring and 15 major sites expected to require heavy machinery and large volumes of materials. With ground conditions saturated, bog mats are being arranged to fast-track safe access for heavy machinery.

“We have teams mobilised at both the western and eastern ends of the Mount Isa line who will work their way inwards to expedite restoration efforts,” Cornish said.

Queensland Rail said teams from South East Queensland, supported by various contractors, have been deployed to bolster the workforce.

Passenger service impacts: Inlander cancellations and Spirit of Queensland delays

Inlander services have been cancelled this week and customers have been alerted. Spirit of Queensland services departing between Wednesday 7 January and Monday 12 January may face delays and/or be affected by track and road conditions.

Coach replacements may operate, depending on roads remaining open and safe to travel on. Queensland Rail said freight operators are continuing to receive updates. Railway Supply has also published reporting on Queensland Rail’s flood recovery work on the North Coast line.

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