More than 100 projects to improve throughput and reliability are scheduled to take place, furthering the Hunter Valley coal chain’s already high level of service delivery.

“Keeping the rail network running safely and smoothly is a bit likely running a finely-tuned racing car,” Mr Vandervoort said.

“There are multiple components that intricately work together for it to perform well and it requires an in-depth check-up and regular maintenance to ensure it continues running safely for over 250 train services a day.

“That’s exactly the focus that will drive more than 1000 of our staff and contractors this week, when we deliver millions of dollars’ worth of maintenance work at locations across the Valley.”

The network closedown starts from early in the morning of Tuesday, May 31, to 6am on Friday, June 3, between the Port and Narrabri.

Ulan line works from Muswellbrook to Ulan will run slightly longer from 6am on Tuesday to 8pm on Friday.

Typical rail maintenance tasks like replacing sleepers, cleaning and compacting ballast, welding rail and technical jobs like signalling work will also take place.

“By ‘closing down’ the network and with fewer trains running we create a safer environment for our people and provide the opportunity to get the maximum amount of rail maintenance done,” Mr Vandervoort said. 

“It’s far more efficient to package the vast amount of work needed into 72 hours rather than spread over many nights and in-between live running rail traffic.

“These shutdowns are planned more than a year in advance and we closely work with the Hunter Valley Coal Chain coordinator to make sure we minimise the impact on our customers.

“We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while the works take place as we appreciate it does cause inconvenience.”

The next major, network-wide maintenance shutdown is planned for August 23-25 August.