Passengers travelling through the New England and North West region are being advised of temporary station works at Armidale, Uralla, Walcha Road, Kootingal and Tamworth stations as rail infrastructure upgrades are undertaken to prepare for the arrival of the new Regional Rail Fleet.
From Wednesday 21 October to Wednesday 2 December 2026, train services will not stop at these stations while crews carry out a range of upgrades to support the next generation of regional trains. Replacement coach services will operate during the closure period to keep passengers moving.
The NSW Government is delivering new state-of-the-art regional trains that will provide improved accessibility, enhanced safety features, modern facilities, and greater reliability for passengers travelling across the regional rail network. To accommodate the new fleet, upgrades are required at stations and rail infrastructure across the state.
Works will include platform upgrades and resurfacing, accessibility improvements, new fencing and lighting, drainage and underground service upgrades, installation of assisted boarding infrastructure, and the removal or relocation of redundant assets. Site investigations, vegetation management, and other enabling works will also be undertaken as part of the project.
Passengers will still be able to book and travel throughout the closure period, with replacement coach services operating between Werris Creek and Armidale. Replacement services will be aligned with existing train timetables although they may not run at exactly the sametimes.
All passengers booked on services during this period will be notified by SMS or email that their service will operate as a coach rather than a train.
Passengers are encouraged to arrive at least 20 minutes before their scheduled departure time. Those requiring accessible transport or travel assistance should contact NSW TrainLink before travelling to make arrangements. Bookings can be made at transportnsw.info/regional-travel or by calling NSW TrainLink on 13 22 32.
Train services will resume at Armidale, Uralla, Walcha Road, Kootingal and Tamworth stations on Thursday 3 December 2026. Minor works will continue at and around the stations until 24 December 2026.
For the latest travel information, passengers should check NSW TrainLink and Transport for NSW travel information channels before they travel.
Quotes attributable to Roger Weeks Chief Executive of NSW TrainLink:
“We understand these temporary closures will impact passengers who regularly travel through Armidale, Uralla, Tamworth, Walcha Road and Kootingal, and we thank them for their patience while this important work is carried out.”
“Passengers will still be able to complete their journeys throughout the closure period, with replacement coaches operating between Werris Creek and Armidale and aligned with existing train timetables.”
“We encourage passengers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and check the latest travel information before travelling.”
Quotes attributable to the Raquel Rubalcaba, Deputy Secretary Infrastructure Projects & Engineering, Transport for NSW
“These upgrades are a critical milestone in preparing the network for the introduction of the new Regional Rail Fleet.”
“The work will improve station infrastructure, accessibility and operational facilities while ensuring the stations are ready to accommodate the new trains.”
“Completing these upgrades now will help deliver a better experience for passengers and support the long-term reliability of regional rail services.”
“This project is about ensuring communities across regional New South Wales can fully benefit from the new Regional Rail Fleet when it enters service.”
Media Release: Transport for NSW
