Extreme Heat Triggers Rail Delays and Daytime Work Bans on Hume Highway

Heatwave Conditions Impact Albury Travel

Commuters and travelers in Albury are advised to prepare for significant disruptions today, Saturday, 31 January 2026, as an extreme heatwave sweeps through the Riverina region. With temperatures forecast to reach the low to mid-forties, both road and rail networks are operating under modified conditions to ensure safety. Authorities are urging residents to plan their trips during the cooler parts of the day and to stay updated on real-time changes.

Public Transport: Rail Speed Restrictions in Place

V/Line has implemented a Partial Extreme Heat timetable for the Albury line today. Due to the high temperatures, steel tracks can expand, requiring trains to operate at reduced speeds—often slowing from 160km/h to 90km/h or less. Commuters should expect extended journey times on all services connecting Albury to Melbourne and intermediate stations. While coach replacements have not been broadly scheduled for the Albury line as they have for the Swan Hill corridor, passengers are encouraged to check the latest service updates before heading to the station, as heat-related delays can occur with little notice.

Major Arteries: Hume Highway Flow

To accommodate the expected flow of traffic and reduce the risk of heat-related vehicle breakdowns in construction zones, Transport for NSW has placed restrictions on Road Occupancy Licenses (ROL) for major corridors. On the Hume Highway, from the Albury border north toward Narellan, no planned roadworks or lane closures are permitted between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM. While this ensures a smoother run during daylight hours, motorists should remain alert for essential maintenance crews operating under night shifts after 8:00 PM. Additionally, travelers should be aware of recent resurfacing work on Borella Road and Hume Street, which may have altered road markings.

Local Roadworks and Regional Alerts

Within Albury, several infrastructure projects continue to affect local traffic patterns:

• Lavington: Drainage reconstruction remains active between Boronia Street and Tamarind Street. While works are largely contained, minor local diversions may be in place.
• Albury Airport: Night works for taxiway upgrades are ongoing. Those catching early morning or late-night flights should allow extra time for access.
• Regional Closures: To the west, Spring Drive near Mulwala remains under investigation following a serious incident earlier this week; regional travelers are advised to use alternative routes. To the east, sections of Murray River Road and Murray Valley Highway remain restricted to essential traffic only as bushfire recovery efforts continue in the Walwa and Nariel Creek areas.

Commuter Advice

Given the extreme temperatures, drivers are reminded to check their vehicle’s cooling systems and tire pressure before long trips. Ensure you carry ample water and a mobile phone charger. For those using public transport, air-conditioned waiting areas should be utilized where available.