Kiama Downs resident Ross Pollock. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
There may be new sleepers on the track, but there have been far fewer sleepers in Kiama Downs homes this week thanks to night track work on the South Coast rail line.
Weary residents are asking why the works have been done in the early hours of the morning in a section where the line passes close to homes.
While councils can fine people for using power tools at night and police can close down loud parties, residents say they have been powerless to act on what they called RailCorp's "blatant disregard for noise curfews".
Kiama Downs resident Ross Pollock said the noise from the track work was like a jackhammer.
"It is very loud and well over the acceptable decibel levels - you can't hear yourself think.
"Monday night was the peak. The jackhammer noise settled down about 11.10pm after three calls to CityRail, but it didn't completely stop until the early hours of the morning.
"It wasn't as loud for us last night, but that probably means it is impacting on other people further down the line."
Mr Pollock said several of his neighbours had also phoned RailCorp to complain.
"That includes a young mother whose 12-week-old is up all night and a tradesman who cannot leave for work early as he has had no sleep," Mr Pollock said.
"What have we done to deserve the treatment meted out by an uncaring public body that has no respect for curfews or noise levels?"
Mr Pollock questioned the need for night work when the work appeared to be little more than routine maintenance.
A RailCorp spokeswoman said the company had contacted several residents this week to apologise for noise caused by track work.
"The noise was generated by a heavy track machine planned for use during daylight hours but which ran behind schedule due to a breakdown earlier in the day," she said.
"While RailCorp endeavours to minimise any disturbance to residents after hours, the upgrade does include some work which occurs at night."
In a letterbox drop to residents before the track upgrade on parts of the South Coast line, RailCorp provided information about planned work.
This included details about earthworks and general activities which were taking place between Minnamurra and Bombo.
"During the two weeks from September 3 to 14, over 2½ kilometres of track will be completely rebuilt with new concrete sleepers, heavy rail and new ballast to complete the planned track reconstruction between Dapto and Kiama," the spokeswoman said.
"This will result in quieter running of trains and minimise the need for future track maintenance."
