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Emergency response units and RFS team up to protect NSW train lines

Transport emergency response staff are working alongside volunteer firefighters to protect local train infrastructure from the threat of raging bushfires.

NSW Trains' Rail Emergency Response Unit (RERU) has been working to the Blue Mountains Line and Southern Highlands Line during the NSW Fires.
NSW Trains' Rail Emergency Response Unit (RERU) has been working to the Blue Mountains Line and Southern Highlands Line during the NSW Fires.

State transport staff and volunteer firefighters have teamed up to protect train lines from the destructive NSW bushfires.

NSW Trains’ Rail Emergency Response Unit has been working side-by-side with the NSW Rural Fire Service and Incident Rail Commanders to protect infrastructure on the Blue Mountains line and the Southern Highlands line as fires rage closer and closer to the train lines.

“Their efforts are simply heroic,” NSW Trains tweeted in a brief statement.

Teams are currently assessing some damage to the Blue Mountains line.

“We have suffered damage to some Blue Mountains line infrastructure between Mt Victoria and Lithgow,” NSW Trains stated.

“The situation is changing and it could be some time before the full extent of the damage is known.”

Repairs being undertaken on the Blue Mountains line. Picture: NSW Trains
Repairs being undertaken on the Blue Mountains line. Picture: NSW Trains

Buses are replacing trains between Mt Victoria and Lithgow due to bushfires, while both Bell and Zig Zag stations remain inaccessible due to road closures.

“Please continue to allow additional travel time,” NSW Trains tweeted.

Services resumed this morning between Katoomba and Mt Victoria.

Train services have also resumed on the Southern Highlands line in both directions following rail infrastructure repairs prompted by fire damage.

For service updates and to plan your trip, visit transportnsw.info or use transport apps.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/thebluemountainsnews/emergency-response-units-and-rfs-team-up-to-protect-nsw-train-lines/news-story/09027bf61fb8a5a48e24d08768962f42