A section of repaired track between Old Junee and Marrar. Photo: Transport for NSW

THE Junee-to-Griffith rail line reopened on Friday following the derailment of an unladen grain train on March 8.

The incident occurred when a truck and train collided at the Canola Way level crossing, derailing four
locomotives and 17 wagons.

The rail line carries bulk grain and containerised commodities, as well as passenger services,

UGL Regional Linx is the operator and maintainer of the Country Regional Network on behalf of Transport for NSW, and last week advised it had restored the track.

Work included the reinstatement of 220m of damaged track with 270 new steel sleepers and 325m of new rail, applying 400 tonnes of ballast, and building 50m of track formation.

Trains will operate at a reduced speed through the restored sections of track until mid-April, when track resurfacing will be completed.

Wet weather delayed work on the line, with the muddy conditions making it difficult to bring in the heavy cranes needed to remove the derailed locomotives and wagons.

Extra stabilisation work also had to be carried out at the site.

The first freight trains are scheduled to run on Saturday, with a temporary speed restriction of 20km per hour in place at the site.

Passenger services were also scheduled to resume on Saturday.

Electronic notice boards are in place at the site advising motorists that trains are running again.

Transport for NSW said the Junee line was important, particularly as a key freight route for the
productive Riverina region.

The restoration of the rail line was a joint effort between Transport for NSW, UGLRL, the Office
of the National Rail Safety Regulator and the freight operator SSR, which was carried out alongside Junee Shire Council’s road works on Canola Way.

Source: Transport for NSW