4 May 2026
Three weeks ago, I attended a rail roundtable arranged by The Hon. Jenni Aitchison, Minister for Roads and Regional Transport. At that roundtable, the Minister acknowledged the gravity, significance and impacts of unreliable passenger rail services. Throughout the roundtable, I asked for urgent maintenance and upgrades, not just money but tangible results in terms of trains arriving at departure and arrival stations on time, bus services to complement rail services and an overhaul of communications to constituents.
I am pleased to inform you that I received advance notice of ARTC’s 96-hour super possession that took effect from 10:30pm Friday 1 May to 11pm Tuesday 5 May, enabling a coordinated package of essential maintenance and major construction works along this critical freight and passenger rail line. Coaches and buses replaced train services.
Works would lead to removal of selected temporary speed restrictions along the corridor, supporting improved travel times to Sydney and a smoother, more reliable journey for passengers and freight. Rail infrastructure works would result in less noise for Bargo residents, improved reliability, greater resilience to extreme weather, and more efficient rail services supporting local economies and supply chains.
During the ‘super’ possession period over the week, I personally toured the Main South Line under supervision of ARTC personnel. I witnessed the sheer volume of new ballast materials, crews operating the toys that undertake ballast cutting, washing, ballast replacement and tamping processes near Picton and Tahmoor stations. Also, I discussed other aspects including track replacement, signal upgrades, overtaking opportunity routes, new culvert drainage and Wellers Bridge in Bargo and more.
ARTC has broader upgrades underway on the corridor that will deliver further benefits, including: Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities: new crossovers to enable more efficient movement of freight and passenger services; and Signalling upgrades: modernising ageing infrastructure, reducing the risk of failures and improving safety and reliability across the network.
Judy Hannan, Member for Wollondilly:
“The notification of ARTC works and benefits to the community are actions arising from a rail roundtable organised by the Minister for Roads and Regional Transport attended by ARTC, Transport for NSW and Judy Hannan MP, Member for Wollondilly.”
Media: [email protected] or Louise Edgecombe 0437 353 209
Key works being delivered in the Southern Highlands region include:
• Bargo – Track lowering: addressing defects at the Wellers Rd bridge to restore operational clearances, remove temporary speed restrictions and reduce braking noise for nearby residents.
• Exeter – Pedestrian level crossing upgrade: resurfacing works to improve safety, particularly in frosty conditions where the crossing has been slippery.
• Wingello and Tallong – Culvert upgrades: improving drainage and strengthening the track to better withstand heavy rainfall and reduce flood-related impacts.
• Moss Vale – Turnout and catchpoint upgrades: enhancing reliability, reducing maintenance requirements and improving overall network performance.
Also, broader upgrades underway on the corridor will deliver further benefits, including:
• Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities: new crossovers to enable more efficient movement of freight and passenger services.
• Signalling upgrades: modernising ageing infrastructure, reducing the risk of failures and improving safety and reliability across the network.
Together, this program is focused on delivering tangible outcomes for the community.
PHOTO GALLERY
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uJu8Slp_KkSfkjc4nV9I9UqBzM_o5Fd7?usp=sharing