The Mount Isa rail line reopened today, nearly three months after monsoonal flooding caused its closure.

Queensland Rail said the first freight train left Cloncurry about 1.10am and will arrive into Townsville Port this evening.

Two trains also departed Stuart and Partington early this morning, travelling to Cloncurry and Mount Isa respectively.

The trains carried a mix of products including containerised freight and minerals.

Queensland Rail’s chief executive officer Nick Easy said it was fantastic to see such an important supply chain back up and running, connecting industry and communities between Townsville and Mount Isa once again.

“It’s been a long 12 weeks leading up to this day, with our dedicated 400-person taskforce working tirelessly to restore the line as quickly as possible, racking up more than 160,000 hours of work in the process,” Mr Easy said.

“In addition to repair works to recover the line between Cloncurry and Hughenden, the line’s closure enabled extensive maintenance and remediation across the entire corridor, reducing the duration of freight run times between Mount Isa and Townsville by 50 minutes.”

Mr Easy said Queensland Rail urged local motorists to remain vigilant at level crossings, and to always obey the safety signs and signals.

“With the line’s closure over the last 12 weeks, local motorists may have become accustomed to reduced or no rail traffic at their local level crossings,” he said.

“However, with the full length of the line reopening today, we’re asking all motorists to be aware of their surroundings around railways and at level crossings, and always obey the signs and signals in place for their safety.”

The Inlander passenger service, which runs between Townsville and Mount Isa twice a week, is expected to resume on May 11.