Mount Isa railway line reopens after ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily floods

After enduring significant damage from severe flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, the Mount Isa railway line has finally reopened, reconnecting vital freight and passenger services.

After enduring significant damage from severe flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, the Mount Isa railway line has finally reopened, reconnecting vital freight and passenger services.

Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said a team of 90 employees and contractors were mobilised to accelerate the repair and recovery after ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.

The damage inflicted by the flooding stretched over two kilometres of track between Nelia and Cloncurry, posing a substantial challenge to the railway authorities.

The repairs were completed in under four weeks despite challenging weather conditions and they were able to be reopened the line on Tuesday.

255 new concrete sleepers laid. Picture: Queensland Rail

“Recovery works involved clearing fallen trees and debris from the track, repairing 11 significant washouts and scouring and replacing 255 sleepers,” Mr Cornish said.

“To get the job done, eight track machines were mobilised and 7,500 tonnes of ballast was poured along the two kilometre stretch of track.”

He said the first train carrying containerised freight went through at 6pm on Tuesday.

“Inlander services, which have been replaced by road coaches during repairs, will resume normal operation from (Wednesday),” he said.

“We are extremely grateful for the hard work of all involved to get the line back up and running as safely and quickly as possible, re-establishing this important freight and passenger connection.

“We thank our freight partners, passengers, and the community for their patience as we worked to reopen the line.”

Originally published as Mount Isa railway line reopens after ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily floods