Rail services have been cancelled across Queensland, with severe storms submerging sections of track and knocking out overhead lines.
Although trains have returned to the region today (January 29) – at a significantly reduced service – engineers continue to work round-the-clock to repair the damaged system.
Flood waters have cut off sections of the network and combined with flying debris, have caused widespread signal and power outages.
Services have now returned to the centre of Brisbane after repair crews managed to fix overhead lines which were damaged by falling scaffolding at the weekend.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said: “Trains will start running from Roma Street through Central and Fortitude Valley stations to Ferny Grove, Caboolture and also to Shorncliffe.
“During the day services have been restored between Ipswich and Rosewood, to Beenleigh and to the Gold Coast.
“While I am pleased we have been able to get two lines open in time for the afternoon peak we are still running at a reduced capacity so passengers should still expect some delays.
“I would like to thank commuters for their patience this morning and for heeding advice to stagger travelling times and use alternate transport.
“More than 550 Queensland Rail personnel have been working hard day and night in trying conditions to get this damage repaired.”
Stations between Cleveland and Wellington Point, on the Doomben line and between Nambour and Gympie North will be without service until later in the week because of damage to power lines.
Queensland Rail recovery crews are continuing to focus on the repair and inspection of tracks, structures, overhead power lines and signalling, as well as on vegetation and debris removal and station repairs.
