Maitland passenger trains and coal rail services resuming through Hexham

THE first trains have resumed services through Sandgate after damage caused by the Tuesday and Wednesday storm was repaired.

Australian Rail Track Corporation spokesperson Bas Bolyn said the first non-coal freight train had gone through the line, as had the first coal train.

Passengers services would be up and running for the Thursday afternoon peak.

The ARTC operates the Hunter Valley rail network on lease from the NSW government.

Mr Bolyn said water-damaged signalling equipment between Sandgate and Warabrook had been repaired.

He said there had still been “sporadic flooding across the network and at the Port of Newcastle” on Thursday morning, and coal trains would be “phased” back into service.

Rail commuters are urged to check http://www.sydneytrains.info and http://www.nswtrainlink.info for the status and arrangements of passenger services.

source:theherald.com.au