News
2 May, 2026
‘Super possession’ enables major work on Southern Rail Line
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is undertaking major works on the Southern Rail Line between Sydney and Melbourne
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is undertaking major works on the Southern Rail Line between Sydney and Melbourne as part of a 96-hour ‘super possession’ that will continue through until Tuesday, May 5.
The ‘super possession’ involves major shutdowns to enable critical maintenance and major construction works along the Sydney-Melbourne freight and passenger rail corridor.
Local impacts will include a bus service replacing the train service between Moss Vale and Campbelltown.
Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan said the works were being carried out following “many Minister meetings and extensive advocacy efforts” and is confident local residents will begin to see “meaningful improvements” as a result.
There will be a number of works undertaken locally.
At Bargo, ARTC will address defects at the Wellers Road bridge to restore operational clearances, remove temporary speed restrictions and to reduce braking noise for nearby residents.
At Exeter the pedestrian level crossing will be resurfaced to improve safety – particularly during frosty conditions when the crossing can become slippery.
There will be culvert upgrades at Wingello and Tallong to enhance drainage and to strengthen the track, ensuring it can withstand heavy rainfall and reduce flood impacts.
There will also be turnout and catchpoint upgrades at Moss Vale to improve reliability, reduce maintenance requirements and enhance overall network performance.
Mrs Hannan said additional improvements in the Southern Highlands would include the installation of new crossovers (overtaking points) to allow more efficient movement of freight and passenger services.
Aged signalling infrastructure in the region will also be modernised safety and reliability.
Mrs Hannan said the project would deliver “tangible benefits” including safer crossings, reduced noise for residents, improved reliability and performance, greater resilience to extreme weather and more efficient rail services supporting local economies and supply chains.
The removal of multiple temporary speed restrictions will improve travel times between Sydney and Melbourne and ensure a smoother and more reliable journey for both passengers and freight.
Mrs Hannan has posted a video of herself at one of the worksites on Facebook.
“This is going to make an incredible amount of difference to us,” she said.
“I know some of you are having to catch buses whilst this happens but look at the difference – you can see it with your own eyes and you will know about it when we catch those trains.”
--------------
The Southern Wire Newsletter is now here! Subscribe for free at the link below.
https://subscribe-forms.beehiiv.com/1986abc6-c89e-4781-9db2-cf35c9dd71e4
If you value independent local journalism across the Highlands, Tablelands and Wollondilly, please click the link below to support us as we are paywall free.
Read More: Moss Vale, Campbelltown, Southern Highlands, Wollondilly, Bargo, Exeter, Wingello, Tallong