Buses to be used during rail service shutdowns

Buses will be used to transport train passengers between Narrabri and Moree during a railway line shutdown lasting until Monday, April 10.

The line is being closed to facilitate commissioning works of the Inland Rail section between Penneys Road and Camurra.

An additional shutdown on the Hunter Valley line, from Newcastle to Ulan and Narrabri will see bus services running the entirety of the route between Sydney and Moree from Tuesday, April 4 to Thursday, April 6.

ARTC group executive Hunter Valley Wayne Johnson said while freight services and passenger services will be stopped, motorists are asked to remain vigilant and slow down at level crossings during the shutdown as there will be machinery and other movements on the rail line.

“A balance needed to be struck between bringing this new section on-line and considering the needs of the line’s current users,” he said.

“We have timed the two shutdowns to align to minimise the impact as much as possible. One of these considerations is the continuity of services between Moree and Narrabri and discussions with NSW TrainLink has resulted in the provision of bus coaches to run between the two towns and then on to Sydney where necessary.”