The East West rail corridor remains closed as the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) responds to flooding near Port Augusta in South Australia.  

ARTC is continuing to mobilise crews and specialised equipment to site to support recovery of the line.  

Materials and resources have been deployed and pre-positioned along the corridor to enable rebuilding works as soon as site access allows.

Following heavy rain and flooding late last week and this week, further significant weather system is anticipated to impact similar areas of the network from Friday to Sunday, with cumulative rainfall of up to 150 millimetres possible across the weekend. 

“At this stage, a return to service is anticipated for the coming weekend,” ARTC said. 

“However, the forecast major rain event may affect recovery activities and reopening timeframes, which remain subject to weather and site conditions.   

“ARTC is maintaining regular communication with customers and all impacted stakeholders.” 

Access to the two washaway sites between McLeay and Bookaloo is limited to high rail vehicles, which may affect recovery timeframes.