<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> Dutton Park train station will remain open as a result of design adjustments made to the Bus and Train project, in response to a community consultation period. </span> <p>The $5 billion Bus and Train (BaT) project, which will see a 5km, 15m-wide tunnel built for trains and buses to cross Brisbane’s CBD, was amended in last week following a five week consultation period with the public.</p><p>The key change? Engineers have changed the design so the length of the tunnel to the existing tracks can be shorter and slightly steeper, which means Dutton Park train station can remain open without any surface property resumptions.</p><p>Campbell Newman, Queensland’s premier, said the design changes were made specifically to answer concerns raised through that process.</p><p>“We are a government that listens and the design changes reflect feedback from the community while still delivering a world-class public transport solution,” Newman said. “We’re delivering better infrastructure and better planning for Queenslanders, ensuring that mums and dads spend less time travelling and more time with their kids.”</p><p>Queensland’s transport and main roads minister, Scott Emerson, said changes to the design at the northern end of the tunnel will mean the majority of the project infrastructure will be contained within the existing transport corridor, preserving Victoria Park.</p><p>“Once BaT is operational, passengers will get to the city faster with only a six-minute train trip from Dutton Park train station into the CBD’s new underground George Street Station,” he said.</p><p>Robert Cavallucci, the member for the local area, welcomed the changes to the Victoria Park end of the project.</p><p>“This is a fantastic outcome for Spring Hill residents, as access for local families, pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained throughout Victoria Park,” he said.</p><p>“After working extensively with local residents, I am pleased as a government we have not only listened we have delivered better outcomes for the local community.”</p><p>The 5km north-south tunnel will include new underground stations at Woolloongabba, George Street and Roma Street.</p><p>Next up, the community will have the opportunity to provide comment on the design enhancements following the release of the Environmental Impact Statement and the Final Reference Design expected in the second half of the year, Emerson’s office said last week.</p><p>The project is due to be completed in 2020 and operational in 2021.</p>
