Marmor derailment: Aurizon reveals weather delay pushed back track reopening

The rail corridor between Rockhampton and Gladstone has reopened after a freight train derailed between the two cities at the end of January.

The rail corridor between Rockhampton and Gladstone has reopened after a freight train derailed between the two cities at the end of January.

Emergency services, including Queensland Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, rushed to the derailment at Marmor at 7.20pm on Sunday, January 29.

Residents nearby said they heard a “big bang” and saw a plume of dust around the time the incident happened.

Rail corridor operator Aurizon confirmed on Saturday the track reopened at 5pm after completing a two-week recovery of the damaged track and overhead power system.

The first train ran through the site shortly afterwards.

A train derailed at Marmor south of Rockhampton on January 29.

Aurizon paid tribute to the recovery work delivered by the rail teams and contractors in returning the track for coal, freight and passenger trains.

“The recovery teams did an outstanding job in often challenging conditions with very hot weather and frequent rain,” a spokesman said.

“They were mobilised to work 24/7 on the recovery, while ensuring the work was delivered safely and within all fatigue requirements.”

Aurizon stated on Thursday weather delays had pushed back the earlier date of Thursday, February 9.

Aurizon workers were on scene the morning after a freight train derailed at Marmor south of Rockhampton.

Part of the extensive repairs include replacing 2000 concrete sleepers, 2km rail, at least 12 electrical masts, 1.5km each of four types of overhead wire, and laying 2300 tonnes of ballast,

The works also include the removal of damaged rolling stock, repair of overhead power and electrical masts, and the restoration of the track infrastructure.

Repair and recovery works began on January 31 after the site was released following initial investigations by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

Investigations are continuing, with parts of the derailed train to undergo further assessment in Brisbane.