Construction start to make rail travel more accessible to everybody (Ministerial statement)

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• Early works have begun on accessibility upgrades at Lindum, Morningside, Buranda and Banyo train stations.
• To enable construction to be fast tracked, the stations will be required to close from January next year.
• During the closures alternative transport will be in place.
• Have your say on how you would like to travel.
• The stations will be reopened throughout the second half of 2024 except for Buranda, with completion expected in 2025.

Queensland Rail wants to hear from customers to help design the best alternatives for travel, while train stations temporarily close for important upgrades.

As part of the Palaszczuk Government's Big Build, this year's budget allocated close to $300 million towards five station accessibility upgrades on the Queensland Rail network, including Lindum, Morningside and Banyo Stations.

In addition, Queensland Rail has now also finalised arrangements for a full accessibility upgrade for Buranda station, with an estimated cost of $70 million.

Station platforms will be raised to bring the platform and train door closer together, reducing the gap to make boarding safer and easier.

Customers in wheelchairs, with walking frames, parents with prams and people with luggage will also be able to catch a lift to a station overpass and then onto platforms which is a great accessibility outcome.  

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

We're also installing hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, new wayfinding signage, information screens and better security through CCTV and lighting upgrades. 

Other customer benefits include updated security cameras with improved bicycle storage facilities at Banyo, Lindum and Morningside.

In order to expedite the upgrades, the stations will temporarily close during construction and Queensland Rail wants to consult with customers about alternative travel arrangements.

Queensland Rail will plan to have alternative transport in place including shuttle services to nearby stations. But to make sure we've got you covered, Queensland Rail has launched a survey, which asks customers directly about their travel patterns and how best they can be supported when their station upgrade is progressing from January next year.

A construction contract for major works has now been awarded to Laing O'Rourke for Morningside, Banyo, Buranda and Lindum stations.

Already activity has begun at the four stations. Enabling works are underway at Lindum and Buranda stations and customers will see site establishment in the coming months. Geotechnical activities and overhead line and service location works have already been carried out at Morningside station. Customers will see piling, signalling construction and site establishment soon.

Similar works are also underway at Banyo station with survey activities and associated platform works to continue in the coming weeks, including the removal of the heritage shelter currently on platform 1.

Lindum, Morningside and Banyo customers can look forward to the station reopening throughout the second half of 2024, pending construction and weather conditions and Buranda station will be ready for customers in mid-2025.

The projects are all part of the rail revolution occurring across the South East with Cross River Rail and 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games preparation underway.

Customers can fill in the survey here.

Quotes attributable to the Member for Bulimba, Di Farmer:

“The Morningside Train Station is one of most well used on the Cleveland line and the accessibility upgrade is going to make a huge difference.

“Public transport is just so important and I know there has been a lot of excitement because of the upgrade plans.

“This is a terrific investment which I think when completed, will encourage more people in and around Morningside to consider public transport."

Quotes attributable to Member for Nudgee, Leanne Linnard:

“Accessibility to public transport is important for so many in our communities from young parents to cyclists, to those with a disability and the elderly.

“Our community advocated for these accessibility upgrades at Banyo Station some time ago and will welcome them being delivered.

“Being able to catch public transport safely and comfortably means everyone can enjoy ease of access and stay connected."

Quotes attributable to the Member for Lytton, Joan Pease:

“With a new station building, and an upgraded Park n Ride that includes a new active transport enclosure, these station accessibility upgrades have something for all users of public transport.

“We want to make it easy and seamless for people to catch trains or ride their bikes and this investment in the community makes that possible."

Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Bailey:

“These upgrades will make our network better for everybody, but with the closures there'll be some disruptions. We're doing it this way because it means we can get the job done safely and efficiently, minimising impacts.

“There's no better expert on your travel habits than you – the customer, which is why we want to work with you to make sure our alternative transport plan is right for you,"

“Fill in the survey so we can plan for the travel you need while we're busy getting this important accessibility upgrade done."

Quotes attributable Queensland Rail Head of SEQ Scott Riedel:

“We want to hear directly from those customers who'll be affected by these closures so we can work out how best we can support them while their upgrade is progressing from January next year," Mr Riedel said.

“This feedback will be used to ensure there is appropriate alternative transport in place and help us prepare for any extra patronage at surrounding stations.

“We understand this will change the way customers travel for a period of time, but we're committed to making our rail network accessible for everyone in the long-term.

“Once reopened, the upgraded stations will ensure everyone can catch the train with ease, whether they are using a wheelchair, are injured, or simply travelling with a pram or luggage.

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“We're delivering for our loyal customers and are committed to a world-class network when Brisbane takes the world stage in 2032."

Background:

• Since 2017, Queensland Rail has completed 12 full station upgrades including at Alderley, Newmarket, Graceville, Nambour, Dinmore, Morayfield, Boondall, Strathpine, East Ipswich, Dakabin, Cannon Hill and Auchenflower. Southbank Platform 1 was also completed in November 2022.

• As part of the Station Accessibility Upgrade Program upgrades will be delivered at Bundamba, Lindum, Morningside, Buranda, Banyo, and Burpengary stations.

• As part of the Cross River Rail project, Dutton Park to Salisbury stations on the southside, and Exhibition station in Brisbane's Inner City, are at various stages of upgrades from main construction to concept and planning. The project will also see three new, fully accessible stations built on the Gold Coast line at Pimpama, Merrimac and Hope Island.

• Stations along the 20km Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail corridor (Kuraby to Beenleigh) will be upgraded to improve accessibility and amenity for all customers.
  
   
• Station accessibility upgrades typically feature new lift-accessible footbridges, fully raised full-length platforms, extended platform shelters. Other improvements include upgraded customer facilities like accessible toilets, disability-compliant ticket windows, improved bike storage facilities and better seating. We're also installing hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, new wayfinding signage, information screens and better security through CCTV and lighting upgrades. 
  
   
• Customers are urged to fill out the survey so Queensland Rail can ensure the most effective alternative transport plan during the station closures.

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