{"id":110930,"date":"2026-03-04T04:07:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T07:07:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shipping.einnews.com\/article\/897459344"},"modified":"2026-03-04T04:07:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T07:07:37","slug":"freight-routes-cut-off-as-flooding-severs-major-rail-corridors-across-regional-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/03\/04\/freight-routes-cut-off-as-flooding-severs-major-rail-corridors-across-regional-australia\/","title":{"rendered":"Freight routes cut off as flooding severs major rail corridors across regional Australia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Freight operators are warning of major delays across regional Australia after severe weather wiped out key rail links, cutting off one of the nation\u2019s most important east\u2013west supply routes for weeks.<\/p>\n

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) says the Sydney<\/a>\u2013Perth<\/a> freight corridor \u2014 a critical line running via Broken Hill \u2014 has suffered extensive damage, including structural failure on a rail bridge after flash flooding tore through remote sections of track.<\/p>\n

The destruction follows days of intense rainfall across outback NSW and SA, with the Bureau of Meteorology recording 90mm at Tibooburra and nearby pastoralists reporting more than 200mm in their gauges.<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/title><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">In <a class=\"css-1lg16vp-StyledTextLink ezegcyi0\" data-link-type=\"article-inline\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/sa\">South Australia<\/a>, the system dumped up to 130mm in 24 hours at Yunta, triggering washaways and inundating key transport routes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Specialist engineers have been deployed, but ARTC says the line is likely to remain closed for two to four weeks, leaving freight companies scrambling to reroute goods across already stretched networks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">The closure effectively severs one of only two transcontinental rail paths linking the eastern states to Western Australia.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"css-1qsv1b2-StyledFigure e1rue1fc3\"><img data-opt-id=758893364 fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1\" alt=\"Railways across Australia have been affected by recent heavy rains\" class=\"css-16r7l45-StyledImage en5ut4d0\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"691\" width=\"1228\"><img data-opt-id=758893364 fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/images.7news.com.au\/publication\/C-21831549\/3d5880591562654cc1ec865342e5b8340023f4a2-16x9-x104y0w1228h691.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2&ssl=1\" alt=\"Railways across Australia have been affected by recent heavy rains\" class=\"css-tl044d-StyledNoScriptImage-StyledImage eu9mom10\"><figcaption class=\"e1rue1fc0 figcaption css-1u2oo1a-StyledFigCaption-StyledFigcaption e13f1dd25\"><span class=\"css-15n44na-StyledFigCaptionText e13f1dd24\"><span class=\"css-1vt5x9l-Caption e13f1dd23\">Railways across Australia have been affected by recent heavy rains<\/span><span> Credit: <!-- -->SES<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">While the Melbourne\u2013Perth line was restored yesterday, operators say the loss of the Sydney\u2013Perth route will put significant pressure on capacity through Victoria and South Australia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">ARTC says it is working with freight companies to add extra services between Melbourne and Adelaide, allowing some Sydney\u2013Perth trains to divert south \u2014 but only \u201cwhere capacity allows\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Crews and contractors have been mobilised along the damaged corridor, with heavy machinery brought in to rebuild washed\u2011out sections of track and repair the compromised bridge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">ARTC says it is reviewing options to \u201csafely expedite\u201d the works, but the scale of the damage means the fix will not be quick.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">The Adelaide\u2013Darwin line remains open, preserving a vital north\u2013south freight spine, but operators warn the cumulative impact of road closures, flooded rail lines and detours will continue to ripple through supply chains.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">ARTC says it remains in direct contact with customers and will provide further updates as recovery progresses.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">AusPost has confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au that they remain unaffected by the freight closures.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"css-1x35pxp-StyledAside e1t2zpw00\">\n<div class=\"hide-print css-1db4q79-StyledInlineContentCardsContainer e1jfa0t20\"><a class=\"css-6fiqrm-StyledLinkWrapper e1y7kr221\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/gus-lamont-police-confirm-two-family-members-not-cooperating-in-search-for-missing-sa-boy-c-21830516\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"css-1f09pc9-StyledInlineContentCard e1y7kr227\">\n<div class=\"css-1kelgyb-StyledTextContainer e1y7kr226\">\n<div class=\"e1y7kr224 css-1q8tiwv-StyledText-StyledText e1w8lw9x9\">\n<p><span class=\"css-e1a8nq-StyledHeadlineText e1w8lw9x7\"><span>Police confirm two of Gus Lamont\u2019s family members \u2018not cooperating\u2019<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"css-xp0jgm-StyledTimeToRead e1y7kr223\">2 min read<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"css-6fiqrm-StyledLinkWrapper e1y7kr221\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/witnesses-recall-dramatic-scenes-after-police-fatally-shoot-knife-wielding-man-at-private-home-in-tingalpa-c-21828598\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"css-1f09pc9-StyledInlineContentCard e1y7kr227\">\n<div class=\"css-1kelgyb-StyledTextContainer e1y7kr226\">\n<div class=\"e1y7kr224 css-1q8tiwv-StyledText-StyledText e1w8lw9x9\">\n<p><span class=\"css-e1a8nq-StyledHeadlineText e1w8lw9x7\"><span>Dramatic details emerge after knife-wielding man shot dead by police<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"css-xp0jgm-StyledTimeToRead e1y7kr223\">2 min read<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blockads.fivefilters.org\"> <\/a><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/blockads.fivefilters.org\/acceptable.html\"> <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>… Corporation (ARTC) says the Sydney\u00e2\u0080\u0093Perth <span class=\"match\">freight<\/span> corridor \u00e2\u0080\u0094 a critical line running via … two to four weeks, leaving <span class=\"match\">freight<\/span> companies scrambling to reroute goods … open, preserving a vital north\u00e2\u0080\u0093south <span class=\"match\">freight<\/span> spine, but operators warn the cumulative …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-110930","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","wpcat-1-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110930","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=110930"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110930\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110930"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=110930"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=110930"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}