LOOP LINE UPGRADE PROJECT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Last updated 2 July 2024
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What is the Loop Line?
The Loop Line is an historic railway corridor owned by the NSW Government, stretching from Sydney’s Southwest to the Southern Highlands.
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Originally built in the 1860s, the line extends from Picton through to Mittagong via Thirlmere and Colo Vale. It once formed part of the Great Southern Railway, connecting Sydney and Melbourne.
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While the line was bypassed in 1919, regular train services continued until 1978. The line has since been used in preservation between Picton and Buxton, with the remainder falling out of service.
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Today, the line is leased by Transport Heritage NSW (THNSW) to provide regular heritage train experiences attached to the NSW Rail Museum and to allow THNSW’s operating heritage fleet to access the broader NSW rail network.
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You can read more about the history of the Loop Line here.
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What is the Loop Line Upgrade Project?
The operational section of Loop Line corridor is currently limited to between Picton and Buxton.
The Loop Line Upgrade Project is about reactivating a significant section of the line to allow the operational section to be extended beyond Buxton through to Colo Vale.
This will see heritage trains return to this part of the historic rail corridor for the first time in over 40 years.
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What will this mean for local communities?
​The NSW Rail Museum at Thirlmere will remain the hub of the Loop Line, with all services originating from and returning to Thirlmere.
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The extension will attract more visitors to the region and provide opportunities for local businesses to cater for the anticipated increase in the longer term.
In addition, the extension of the Loop Line opens opportunities for Transport Heritage NSW to support future local events through the presence of heritage trains at stations along the line, including Picton, Buxton, Hill Top and Colo Vale.
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Why isn’t the line being extended to Mittagong?
A business case to assess the feasibility of extending the operational section to Mittagong is currently underway, with findings to be announced soon.
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While the feasibility study will assess all options, no funding is currently committed to reactivating the remaining non-operational section of the line between Colo Vale and Mittagong.
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Why can’t Transport Heritage NSW upgrade all stations along the line?
Due to delays with the review of environmental factors, as well as the increased costs of construction with inflation, upgrades to the Loop Line track will account for the majority of funding.
Minor upgrades will be made to station precincts at Buxton and Colo Vale.
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Once further funding is made available for the project, THNSW will complete additional work at select station precincts along the line, including at Picton Avenue, Thirlmere and Hill Top.
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Will the line be used for regular passenger or freight trains?
No. The Loop Line Upgrade Project is focused on upgrading the heritage rail line from Picton to Colo Vale for the exclusive use of heritage trains and associated operations.
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Engineering specifications for freight or other rail traffic have not been factored into the project and therefore eliminate the potential for use by commercial operators.
Some level crossings near Balmoral have been closed. What plans exist to ensure access to and from Balmoral village?
Several illegal level crossings were once installed across the Loop Line near Balmoral.
Following consultation with Wingecarribee Shire Council and the NSW Rural Fire Service, Transport Heritage NSW took steps to close the illegal crossings in order improve safety for both road users and rail traffic in Balmoral.
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​All legal rail crossings remain open. As part of the Loop Line Upgrade Project, THNSW is upgrading five crossings to ensure they remain of high standard for the community.
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THNSW is working hard to balance safety in and around the rail corridor, as well as concerns raised by local residents regarding adequate emergency access. THNSW will continue to work with the appropriate authorities to ensure residents have safe passage in emergencies.
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Can I walk, ride a bike, or motorbike inside the Loop Line rail corridor?
The Loop Line is classed as an active rail corridor and therefore cannot be accessed for walking, biking or any other recreational purposes.
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With construction well underway and track vehicles now regularly using the line, THNSW has permanently removed several access points to the rail corridor to prevent risk or injury to the community.
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Can you share any details on future products and experiences on the Loop Line?
Initially, within the first year, THNSW expects to operate heritage trains between:
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Thirlmere and Buxton: up to five times per day on weekends, plus additional services for groups and schools on weekdays. Increased weekday operations will also continue to occur during events and school holidays;
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Thirlmere and Colo Vale: one to two trains a week and some special event services.
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THNSW expects these operations to increase with demand, particularly as new more premium heritage train experiences are added in future.
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As Picton is where THNSW accesses the broader rail network, regular train movements from the NSW Rail Museum to Sydney will continue to occur as they do now.
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Most THNSW heritage train experiences along the Loop Line will operate during daylight hours, when the NSW Rail Museum is open to the public.
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Occasional train services/movements will occur after hours, subject to operational requirements as they do now.
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Who is paying for the upgrade?
The Loop Line Upgrade Project is a $14.6 million investment by the NSW Government.
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How can I stay updated on the project?
If you are interested in receiving regular updates, please register on the Loop Line Upgrade Project page here.
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THNSW will be regularly posting project updates on this website, and on its social media channels.
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Alternatively, you can call Transport Heritage NSW on 1300 11 55 99 for further information or email loopline@thnsw.com.au.
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