In its biggest station revamp program on record, Queensland Rail’s accessibility construction works at Morningside, Lindum, Banyo, Buranda, Bundamba and Burpengary stations are surging ahead.
As well as Queensland Rail stations, accessibility upgrades are also underway as part of Cross River Rail, including at the recently reopened Yeronga and Fairfield stations, with work progressing at Dutton Park, Yeerongpilly and Rocklea, and Salisbury and Moorooka to follow.
To keep customers moving during the closures, customers are urged to plan their travel in advance with Buranda and Bundamba stations closing on January 8 and the remaining stations closing on January 22.
Alternative transport solutions will be put in place by Queensland Rail and Translink following extensive community consultation and customer feedback. The arrangements informed by community feedback includes shuttle buses between stations, a new pedestrian shared path to Bindha station for Banyo station customers and bus stops to cater for nearby schools.
The upgrades to the six stations form the biggest ever station upgrade program undertaken by Queensland Rail. Queensland Rail is partnering with Hutchinson Builders and Laing O’Rourke to deliver these vitally important projects.
When these are complete, the stations will boast lifts, overpasses and fully raised platforms to reduce the gap, making boarding the train safer and easier for all customers as well as a range of other accessibility improvements.
Early works are in full swing, paving the way for the contractors to get straight into major construction when the stations close temporarily in January 2024.
A site compound has been established at Morningside station, while overhead line works, vegetation removal, geotechnical works and the installation of safety barriers have also commenced.
At nearby Lindum station, the establishment of a site compound as well as vegetation works, site surveys and geotechnical works have begun. At Buranda station vegetation works and safety barrier installation are underway and at Banyo, the safe relocation of a heritage shelter, minor works and vegetation removal has occurred.
Detailed alternative travel information can be found on the Queensland Rail website.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said by the end of next year, five of these stations will be back open and better than ever for all customers – with lifts, raised platforms, overpasses and other life changing accessibility features.
“Rebuilding six stations in one go is the biggest station upgrade project Queensland Rail has ever undertaken; our Big Build is ensuring a modern, accessible public transport network for all,” he said.
“We’re ‘shovel ready’ for the major transformation in the new year. I look forward to seeing these stations transform.”
Queensland Rail chief executive Kat Stapleton said the operator listened to its customers on how to best keep them moving during the upgrade so they were being urged to familiarise themselves with the alternative transport plan they helped develop.
“Dedicated shuttle buses to nearby stations will run and we’ve even opened a new walkway to make it easier for customers on the northside to reach Bindha station,” he said.
“We’re already hard at work on the stations of the future with all the modern accessibility standards the community expects.
“By closing the stations temporarily, our contractors can hit the ground running with those major works and main construction can kick off safely and efficiently.
“When complete, customers can look forward to incredible upgraded stations across South East Queensland from accessible drop off points, to lifts and platforms closer to the trains – making the whole experience of catching public transport easier.
