Works are progressing well on Brisbane’s new year-round Ekka station being delivered through Cross River Rail (CRR), with the old station building and platforms demolished, and tracks recently installed over a new 150-metre-long rail bridge that will form part of the new station.
The old Ekka station had to be demolished to make way for the new station so it will not be in operation for this year’s Queensland Show.
There will still be plenty of transport options available to Ekka goers, including trains and buses from nearby stops and stations, and additional shuttle services.
Specific information about travel options will be available closer to the event.
Transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey said construction at the Ekka precinct was charging ahead, and while the new facility was being built, CRR would be delivering a new fully accessible 365 days-a-year train station at the Brisbane Showgrounds, to service the growing entertainment, business and health precinct every day of the year – not just for special events like the Ekka.
“We know how much Queenslanders love the Ekka, so there will be plenty of other public transport options available,” he said.
“We want to make sure people can get to the Ekka safely and easily to enjoy their strawberry sundaes, woodchopping competitions, carnival rides and everything else that makes this iconic event so great.
“And in the future, people can look forward to a brand-new station that will benefit nearby residents and businesses, visitors and staff at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the thousands of people who visit the Ekka, the Convention Centre and nearby bars and restaurants.”
CRR delivery authority chief executive Graeme Newton said demolition of the old station had to happen prior to starting work on the new one, and the phasing “just couldn’t be avoided”.
“A temporary platform was considered in an effort to open the station for Ekka, but due to a range of factors, including safety, it was not feasible,” he said.
“We’re working closely with Queensland Rail, Translink and the Royal National Agricultural Association (RNA) to ensure people can get to and from the Ekka as seamlessly as possible using nearby train stations, bus stops and additional shuttle services.
“Meanwhile, works are progressing really well – with the old station building and platforms demolished and 1.2 kilometres of new tracks laid, works are underway on the second rail bridge that will form part of the station building.
“Over coming months, we will see critical steel supports installed for the new station building followed by works on the new station itself, including lifts.”
Queensland Rail Head of South East Que ensland Scott Riedel said catching a train would still be a great way to get to the Ekka.
“Trains will run to and from nearby stations, such as Fortitude Valley, which are a short walk to the event,” he said.
“Our friendly Queensland Rail staff will be on hand at stations to assist customers with any questions to make sure everyone gets to enjoy that special time of year when the country comes to the city.”
Translink head Sally Stannard said as well as trains, there would also be several bus options for Ekka goers.
“You will also be able to catch high-frequency buses to and from nearby stops such as Herston station, and a dedicated Ekka shuttle will run between Woolloongabba and Herston stations,” she said.
“We are working with our bus delivery partners to finalise operations and specific information to ensure you can plan your travel will be available well in advance of the Ekka.”
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