Vital train links between South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia have re-opened following record rainfall that caused nearly 300 kilometres of track to become submerged.
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Described as a one-in-300-years event, more than 200 millimetres of rain in 24 hours in January, which forced the closure of the inter-state network between Port Augusta and Tarcoola.
For nearly three weeks, the Stuart Highway and trainlines in northern South Australia was closed, blocking the thoroughfare of freight trucks and trains through the nation's centre.
It's understood Australia Post has been forced to stockpile nearly three weeks' worth of post in its Adelaide distribution centre due to the closure of the highway.
Meanwhile, the floods damaged 18 separate points over the 300km trainline.
"Our crews had to work in some pretty oppressive conditions, both humidity and - in the past week or two - some really hot conditions in the middle of SA," said Anthony Meere, corporate affairs general manager for the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).
Following repair works, yesterday the trainline was re-opened allowing nine freight trains to travel to Darwin, Alice Springs and Perth.
More than 50,000 tonnes of ballast and rock was used in the repairs.
The ARTC confirmed the first train will arrive in Berrimah at 6:10pm Wednesday.