
Freight trains are slowing down through Cootamundra while the Australian Rail Track Corporation waits for complex rail components to be built to fix damage done by a derailment.
The ARTC said significant damage was caused to four sets of mainline turnouts in the Cootamundra Railway Yard following the derailment that occurred in late January. It said passenger and freight trains were still able to continue safely, with some "minor" delays.
However local observers say freight trains travelling south have to go quite slowly as they switch to a parallel line, although XPT services are relatively unaffected.
"Removal of damaged steel components such as rail and turnouts was completed in February," the ARTC said.
"Delivery of new components is under way for major work to start in coming weeks, subject to available work windows and qualified contractor support.
"Steel turnouts (or a 'set of points') include expensive, complex rail componentry that need to be commissioned and built to order.
"Procurement is underway but there is high demand for these currently in Australia."
NSW Trainlink says buses are still replacing trains between Albury and Melbourne due to speed restrictions following the derailment at Wallan on February 20.
There is no plan to reduce bus or rail services due to the virus.