20 May 2025
Following a brief pause to finalise supplier arrangements for remaining work packages, we’re pleased to confirm construction to complete the Loop Line Upgrade Project will recommence within the next two months.
This will kick off the final construction phase of the project and will bring us one step closer to delivering an upgraded heritage rail experience for the region.
What we have undertaken to date
Significant progress was made in 2024, including replacing over 18,000 sleepers across the 18.7km section of track between Buxton and Colo Vale, installation of new infrastructure at Colo Vale to permit locomotives to run-around for the return journey, replacement of the Ligar Street Underbridge, initial hazardous tree removals, and initial upgrades to five level crossings along the line.
Remaining works to be completed
The following works will be undertaken to complete the Loop Line Upgrade Project, between now and early 2026:
Work | Locations | Impact to community | Anticipated Timing |
Level crossing road resurfacing, line marking and signage installation | * East Parade, Buxton South * Balmoral Village * Railway Parade, Balmoral * Coates Road, Hill Top * Fitzroy Street, Hill Top | Temporary level crossing closures between and traffic diversions | Mid 2025 |
Geotechnical rectification works | Various cutting locations between Buxton and Colo Vale | Minimal impact | Mid 2025 |
Hill Top Platform repair | Hill Top Station | Some vehicle/truck movements adjacent to Hill Top Playground | Mid 2025 |
Various track repairs | Various locations between Buxton and Colo Vale | Minimal impact | Mid 2025 |
Targeted fencing | Various locations between Buxton and Colo Vale | Minimal impact | Late 2025 |
Track ballasting and resurfacing works | Various locations between Buxton and Colo Vale | Some daytime noise with ballast trains travelling through level crossings | Late 2025 |
Pedestrian level crossings installation | * Wattle Street, Hill Top * Linda Street, Hill Top * Balmoral Township | Existing pedestrian crossings to close while works occur | Late 2025 |
Final vegetation clean-up | * Buxton – Colo Vale | Minimal impact | Late 2025 |
Colo Vale Station reactivation | Colo Vale Station | Minimal impact | Late 2025 |
Signalling installation | Various locations between Buxton and Colo Vale | Minimal impact | Late 2025 |
While an exact opening date is still to be confirmed, THNSW anticipates the majority of works will be completed by the end of 2025, ready for testing, with the extension expected to open in 2026.
PLATFORM SECURED FOR HILL TOP
Following strong advocacy from residents of Hill Top and continued discussions with the NSW Government, the existing station platform at Hill Top village will be secured and reactivated in time for the line’s reopening.
This reactivated platform will ensure safe access for passengers to alight and board heritage trains, operating between the NSW Rail Museum at Thirlmere and Colo Vale.
The platform reactivation will complement the newly installed play equipment and play area, which were funded through grants secured by the Hill Top Community Association and Wingecarribee Shire Council, with support from Transport Heritage NSW and the NSW Government.
KEEP INFORMED
We’ll continue to keep the community updated as work progresses. For the latest news and project milestones:
Call us on 1300 11 55 99
Visit thnsw.com.au/loopline
