Industry Infrastructure, Industry Safety, Queensland, Rail industry news (Australia, New Zealand), State, Station Design, Train Stations

Upgraded Burpengary station reopens

Customers are again catching the train from Burpengary station after it reopened sporting a fresh new look.

The landmark upgrade ensures all customers can utilise the fully accessible Burpengary station.

The refurbished station, which temporarily closed for construction in January, is now equipped with lifts, an overpass and raised platforms making catching the train easier for everyone, including those travelling with a wheelchair, pushing prams or carrying luggage.

Other improvements include upgraded customer facilities like accessible toilets, a disability-compliant ticket window, improved seating, and extended platform shelters.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said a modern and reliable rail network is paramount and with more customers jumping on board during the 50 cent fare trial, the government is proud to be delivering better public transport for Queenslanders.

“Upgrading stations like Burpengary means everyone in the community can use the station and take the train,” he said.

“Whether you use a wheelchair, push a pram or you’re travelling with luggage, these upgrades will make a real difference.

“We want to make public transport accessible to everyone and this shows we are making that a reality.”

Customers will also benefit from hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, rubber fillers – to further reduce the horizontal gap between the platform and trains – new wayfinding signage, information screens and better security through CCTV and lighting upgrades.

The upgrade also includes a reconfigured carpark with space for almost 500 cars for customers, 350 of which are ready today with the rest to follow when ongoing minor works are completed.

Image/Queensland Rail

Burpengary station also boasts accessible parking bays and an accessible pathway from the carpark to the platforms. An upgraded permanent kiss ‘n’ ride is also nearing completion.

The existing bicycle enclosure, which houses 24 bikes, has new security swipe access, while 102 bike lockers remain across the station precinct for our customers to ride to and from the train.

Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said Queensland Rail is proud to have delivered this modernised and accessible Burpengary station for its customers.

“Queensland Rail has been connecting communities for nearly 160 years and we are committed to constantly improving our network to make it more accessible, convenient, comfortable and safe,” she said.

“Burpengary is the first of six Queensland Rail stations to be reopened following major accessibility upgrades with Bundamba, Banyo, Buranda, Morningside and Lindum also progressing well.

“This program is on top of the 12 upgraded stations we’ve already delivered and our partial platform raising program which has made boarding trains faster, easier and safer across the network.

“Improvements to our network like these have already, and will continue to, make a big difference in the lives of customers travelling on our trains safely and without barriers.”

The station also includes the new artwork from local resident Brenden Hirst who won Queensland Rail’s recent photography competition, giving community touch to the project.

Image/Queensland Rail

Burpengary station is one of six Queensland Rail stations simultaneously undergoing an accessibility upgrade, with construction at Bundamba, Banyo, Buranda, Lindum and Morningside stations also progressing.

Cross River Rail’s rebuild of Dutton Park station is also surging ahead and is expected to reopen to customers by the end of the year.

It’s all part of the Queensland Government’s plan to expand, improve and modernise Queensland’s rail network, meet the increasing demands of our growing state and prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Queensland Rail’s Station Accessibility Upgrade Program projects that are being delivered at Lindum, Morningside, Banyo, Buranda, Bundamba and Burpengary stations are the largest number of stations Queensland Rail has delivered simultaneously.

Since 2017, Queensland Rail has completed 13 station upgrades including at Burpengary, Alderley, Newmarket, Graceville, Nambour, Dinmore, Morayfield, Boondall, Strathpine, East Ipswich, Dakabin, Cannon Hill and Auchenflower. South Bank Platform 1 was also completed in November 2022.

As well as Queensland Rail’s Station Accessibility Upgrade Program, seven southside stations between Dutton Park and Salisbury are being rebuilt as part of Cross River Rail. The transformational project will also see four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Albert Street, Woolloongabba and Roma Street, a new year-round Exhibition station and three new Gold Coast stations at Pimpama, Hope Island and Merrimac.

In addition to full accessibility upgrades, the Queensland Government has invested in improving customers’ comfort and security through partial platform raising, lighting upgrades, enhanced CCTV coverage, bike lockers, new customer screens, and the construction of Queensland Police Service Railway Squad outposts and hubs.