A Note for people cruising to Cairns, Australia

[Skyrules]

If you are cruising into Cairns in the near future and planning on a trip on the Kuranda railway you will have to reconsider.... This from the Queesland Rail (operators of the Kuranda Railway) website.

 

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Kuranda Scenic Railway Service Closed

28 February 2007

 

 

After extensive geotechnical survey work over the last two weeks QR is better informed to make the tough decision to continue the suspension of the Kuranda Scenic Railway Services for approximately two months.

During this time a rock fall mesh fence will be constructed at the base of the slip site. This fence will serve two purposes, making the site safe for trains to pass on a temporary basis and also provide a safe working environment for construction crews.

Once this is complete QR will be able to run one service each way per day, between Kuranda and Cairns.

The reason for the limited service is so that a 40 metre long tunnel can be constructed at the site as quickly as possible as a long term solution to the slippage problem. It is expected that this tunnel will be completed approximately mid year, depending on wet weather, and then normal services will resume.

QR’s Group General Manager for Passenger Services, Mike Scanlan, said that QR understands the disappointment for visitors to the region and the impact on local businesses, particularly in Kuranda.

“We would like to apologise to all those people impacted by this closure and they can be assured it was a tough decision to make,” he said.

“Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of the world’s iconic rail journeys and an integral part of the North Queenslandtourist industry.”

“But we have a unanimous decision from both outside experts and QR staff that we cannot in any circumstances risk the safety of our passengers and workers. We have to get this problem sorted out for the long term.”

“We estimate that the work to construct both the fence and tunnel will cost us approximately one million dollars.”

“Ultimately we have come up with a solution that still provides some level of service as quickly as possible, while ensuring we can keep working on the site to construct a long term, robust piece of infrastructure.”

“It is also the best solution for the environment.”

“QR representatives have continually been proactively contacting industry partners and community representatives during this disruption and we are very grateful for their continued support and understanding.”

Tour and coach operators have made alternative arrangements to their Kuranda Day Tour itineraries for the period of the closure. Please contact them direct for details. For information on other alternative transfer options please call QR on 07 40369333, email KSRres@qr.com.au or visit www.ksr.com.au.

[kaseyoz]

thanks for posting that. i am sure it will help a few people.

 

karon