Recovery works are underway on Queensland Rail’s North Coast line following the North Queensland flood event which brought rail services to a halt.

Multiple sites between Townsville and Cairns have been identified for repairs, with damage ranging from major track washouts to uprooted trees and debris fallen across tracks.

Queensland Rail said it had mobilised crews and contractors from across the state to help with the mammoth task, with machinery like excavators and tonnes of ballast being positioned across the line.

The North Coast line remains closed north of Townsville to Woree and south of Townsville to Proserpine and the Kuranda Range will remain closed until at least Saturday.

The Central West line from Emerald north and west is also impacted by floodwaters.

“Making sure the network is safe is the number one priority,” Queensland Rail head of regional Scott Cornish said.

“We understand how important it is to get people and freight moving again across the state. That’s why our crews are focused on recovering the rail line in sections where the water has receded, as quickly and as safely as possible.

“While some sections of track remain underwater, we’re pleased to be able to reconnect isolated communities via our Ollera Creek rail bridge while the Bruce Highway remains shut.

“Using our on-track recovery machine, our crews have been safely shuttling members of the community, SES crews, Queensland Police Service and Ergon Energy crews to and from Ingham, helping transport vital supplies and more.

“It’s an important reminder to the community to keep safety front of mind and adhere to the rules in place with the return of live operations across the rail network.

“With rail level crossings around Ingham not functioning due to a power outage, we urge all road users to take alternate routes where possible and avoid these level crossings.”