Ballast trains have approached from Kalgoorlie WA and Port...

Ballast trains have approached from Kalgoorlie WA and Port Augusta SA, working on previously flooded sections of the Trans Australia Railway that links the eastern states with Perth. At least one ballast regulator, a track machine that spreads dropped ballast (small stones that form the roadbed in between sleepers) evenly is also following one of the ballast trains.

This is a good sign.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation issued a brief statement:

“ARTC crews have been working around the clock on the weekend to repair damage caused by recent flooding in central South Australia.

“Works have progressed from the initial 18 sites to focussing on 4 remaining locations. These sites were the most severely impacted.

“Crews have full access to these sites for our construction vehicles and work is progressing well.

“Ballast and rail are being delivered to site, with tamping operations to get underway shortly.

“Dry weather is assisting the recovery efforts.

“A further update will be provided in the next few days.”

We lack public information but there's a minor chance this vital rail line may be reopened prior to 18 February 2022. The lack of rain will help the speed of works.