Fortitude Valley Station (was Brunswick Street Station)

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas
05/07/2007

BRUNSWICK STREET STATION UPGRADE UNDERWAY

The upgrade of the Brunswick Street Station has begun and is expected to be completed on time by December 2008, Premier Peter Beattie said today.

"QR has begun construction at the station and has also established an information booth for customers at the station for further information," Mr Beattie said.

"Work started includes laying of foundations to provide construction access throughout the project, the erection of an emergency escape bridge, the demolition of a wall and the construction of a new ramp at the at the end of platforms 3 and 4."

"Also commenced is preparatory work on rail infrastructure including relocation of signals and communications and modification of overhead wiring."

Coming up on the weekend of the 7th and 8th of July a closure of the track adjacent to Platform 1 will occur for further erection of structural steel and panelling of the emergency escape bridge.

This will be followed by the erection of a stair structure in the week beginning the 9th of July.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said the marketing campaign informing passengers of the changes to services and the impact of platform closures will begin next week, with platform 3 and 4 expected to close on 14 July 2007 until March 2008.

"This is a highly complex construction project and unfortunately there will be some unavoidable disruption for customers," Mr Lucas said.

"However this is the third busiest station on the Citytrain network and it cannot be completely closed to traffic."

"I am confident that the end result will be worth the inconvenience as this is an upgrade that has been needed for a long time."

The construction process will be around 18 months because the construction activities have to be planned around the continuing operations of the station.

When completed the redeveloped Brunswick Street railway station will include a lift, escalator and stairway to each platform from the concourse at the retail level of the Valley Metro Centre, a ceiling throughout the platforms, brighter lighting, new seating and improved directional and customer information signage.

For further information about the project visit the information booth at Brunswick Street Station or phone 1800 643 443.

Also available is a project update at www.citytrain.com.au/brunswickstreet/, which provides latest progress on the station upgrade by the Project Manager.

QR and TransLink will announce changes to rail services prior to construction commencing.

For further information on changes to services rail passengers should visit www.translink.com.au, or phone 13 12 30.

[ozbob]

There will be a some confusion as folks get used to the fact that two out of the four platforms will be closed at various times during the next 18 months or so.

But at least Brunswick St Station will remain operational.   Translink need to maximise publicity of the reduced services at Brunswick St, notices in every train.  Also press and media such as television and radio.

During the Ekka, extra direct services would be useful to avoid confusion for irregular users of our trains.

The gain is worth the pain.

Well done on the upgrade.

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

Delays from tomorrow (14th July) at Brunswick St train station


Expect major delays if you are going to use Brunswick Street rail station in Fortitude Valley from now until March 2008.

Two- platforms - platforms three and four - will close from tomorrow causing major disruptions as the multi-million redevelopment of Brunswick Street train station starts.

There are more than 2.5 million commuter journeys at the station each week.

QR is now asking passengers to allow an extra 15 minutes to make their new rail journey to Brunswick Street station on Monday.

More ....

Brisbane times story click here!

[ozbob]

Commuters face city crawl
Article from: The Courier-Mail
Robyn Ironside

July 14, 2007 12:00am
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22071139-952,00.html


TRAIN travellers could have 30 minutes wiped from their day for the next 18 months as Brunswick Street station is refurbished.
Two platforms of Brisbane's third busiest train station will be closed from today for a major upgrade, plunging passengers who stop there into commuter hell.

As of Monday, people travelling to Brunswick Street in peak times on the Shorncliffe, Caboolture, Sunshine Coast and Ipswich lines will have to change trains at either Eagle Junction, Bowen Hills or Central stations.

"We'd advise commuters to allow an extra 15 minutes for their trip," said Queensland Rail's group general manager for passengers, Mike Scanlan.

The changes will affect about 15,000 passengers every weekday ? including 4500 in each peak hour.

Although platforms 3 and 4 will be closed, platforms 1 and 2 will remain open to allow train services to continue at the station.

Mr Scanlan said QR considered closing the entire station during the refurbishment, but "that would have caused a dramatic amount of inconvenience to people".

He said another option, of undertaking the work at night and keeping all platforms open, was not very practical either.

"It would take years and years to finish at double the cost. I would hope that people understand 18 months of inconvenience," Mr Scanlan said.

Robert Dow of commuter lobby group, Rail Back on Track, said passengers would welcome the upgrade of the "dark and dingy" station, but a major education campaign was needed to inform travellers.

"Communication is a problem on the train network. You can be stuck in a train wondering what's going on, and all you get is an announcement about operational problems. It's very frustrating," Mr Dow said.

Transport Minister Paul Lucas said the Valley station development would be "short-term pain for long-term gain".

More ... click here!

[CNsylvester]

Central had to be done, and was
Roma St had to be done, and was
Brunswick St is inevitable

Its impossible to do without some inconvience - its just the level of convenience that we should focus on ie Time v cost v outcomes.

[ozbob]

The Brisbane Exhibition will be on soon, 9th to 18th August!

With the changes at Brunswick St during the upgrade, there will be potential for a lot of confusion as folks who are not regular train users head to the Ekka.  It would be a good idea if some extra direct services from all lines could be run.  Also plenty of publicity for folks on getting to the Ekka by rail.

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

RAIL Back On Track - Media Release 18 July 2007

Brisbane:  Ekka 2007!

RAIL ? Back On Track (http://backontrack.org)  a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has suggested that because of the Brunswick St station upgrade, there is the potential for much confusion as folks head to the Brisbane Ekka by QR Citytrain during August.

Robert Dow said:

?It is very convenient to travel to the Ekka by rail.  The Exhibition station is right in the RNA Showgrounds, there are no parking problems and it is a safe and fast way to go. However, many folks who don?t normally use the train do make use of rail for travel to the Exhibition and may not be aware of the platform closures and changes to train operations through Brunswick St station.?

?There has been good publicity and education campaigns for regular Citytrain passengers about the upgrade at Brunswick Street Station, but many folks who head to the Ekka by rail are not regular Citytrain passengers and may not be aware of the changes.  For this reason it would be helpful to have extra ?conductors? on services to explain to passengers the best way to get to the Exhibition station.?

?QR Citytrain does put on extra direct services to the Exhibition on some lines.  These are popular and do avoid the need for passengers to change trains.  As far as operational commitments allow it would be very helpful to increase the number of direct services.?

?When the Ekka is not on, there is normally no passenger service to the Exhibition station.  RAIL Back On Track calls on QR to consider a regular loop service throughout the whole year on this line.  This would be very handy for people travelling by rail and who wish to access the Royal Brisbane Hospital complex and surrounding services and businesses.?

Contact:

Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track

http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes  click here!

Brunswick St station revamp steams ahead
Shannon Molloy | December 7, 2007 - 3:39PM

Construction on the upgrade to the Brunswick Street train station is on schedule with platforms, escalators and lifts beginning to take shape.

Minister for Transport John Mickel and local Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace toured the site today to preview the new-look platforms three and four.

Demolition work was completed a few weeks ago, and already construction has been ramped up.

The lift, escalator and stars are already in place, along with the fire escape.

Toilet amenities, platform supervisor's office and cleaners' facilities are also progressing, with structures in place and internal surface finishes ready to be applied.

"Work is also progressing on the new ceiling with the support steel work completed and covering underway," Mr Mickel said.

When completed, the new station will include a lift, escalator and stairway to each platform.

Brighter lighting, enhanced CCTV coverage, new seating and improved directional and customer information signage will also be featured.

Work on platforms three and four is on track to be completed by the end of March next year, when construction on platforms one and two will begin.

The entire project is expected to be completed by December 2008.

"This redevelopment will not only rejuvenate the station and offer better access and improve safety, it will also give the entire Valley precinct a new lease on life as the tired old station is remodelled to suit its surroundings."

Ms Grace was present today to see the labour of her work with the Positive pARTnerships project, which saw student from the All Hallows School add artwork to the hoarding barriers.

"This project has given these talented students the opportunity to showcase their outstanding work," Ms Grace said.

Sixteen paintings feature Queensland Rail's new safety mascot "Spike" and reflect the culture and vibe of the Valley, she said.

"It's fantastic that the local community has been given the opportunity to be involved in this project."

[Derwan]

According to the latest update, floor tiling is under way on platforms 3 and 4 at Brunswick Street.

I thought they might have raised the platform as part of the upgrade to provide walk-on access similar to platforms 5 and 6 at Central and 3 and 4 at Bowen Hills.  I guess this is not the case.

March is just over a month away, so if all is running to schedule, we'll soon see the upgraded platforms and the closure switch to platforms 1 and 2.

[mufreight]

More Mu
On the subject of platform heights,
well by leaving them at their current height rather than raising them to a height compatable with the passanger rolling stock they ensure gainfull employment for guards and station staff who are required to help the disabled, the otherwise handicaped and mothers with prams on and off trains at this greatly improved and suposedly passanger friendly station.  This in turn provides plausable? justification for delays to trains as well as justification to spend oddles of taxpayers money to raise the platform heights at a later date, that when or if they do so it costs two or three times what it would have cost to raise the platform levels as part of the curren upgrade is beside the point but at least there is consistency because they have not raised the platforms at Indoorpilly despite their spending BIG bucks there to make the station more "passanger freindly"
Easier to get on to the platforms but so what if you have difficulty in boarding a train.
Observations by Mufreight.

[ozbob]

Advice received suggests that height adjustments (raised sections) will be incorporated in the new platforms at the places of alignment with doors.  Although not ideal as compared to complete platform raising will assist never the less, and be compliant with the disability access codes.

[brad C]

Can one imagine the trip hazzards and the professional litigatees vying for opportunities?
What about rollingstock that does not comply with the standard door positions (ICE stock?? and SX cars used at exhibition time)

It is proposed to raise platforms 2 and 3 at Petrie later this year in conjunction with improved access to the new eastern car park.
What a farce if this is fully raised and yet our 3rd busiest station has a 'no frills' solution!!

Only in Queensland.

Brad C

[Derwan]

When we were told of the plans yesterday, I didn't see how it could work so had a good look at platform 3 this morning as we went through Brunswick St.

There is a single raised area stretching several metres around half way along the platform (i.e. where the guard's carriage would stop).

The issues I have with this are:

1.  Drivers don't always line up exactly with the stop mark.
2.  3-car trains will have to stop at the end of the platform instead of the middle

Although the raised section is long enough to ensure the door nearest the guard would be within the section, there is a risk that another door may be lined up with an uneven section of the platform which could catch alighting passengers unaware.

[ozbob]

Some minor flooding at Brunswick St Station this afternoon due to the heavy rain (and probably the works) 6 Feb 2008.
Some delays.

[ozbob]

From Quest City News March 13 page 3

[mufreight]

Platform heights could have easily been rectified during the shutdown as an overnight job with no trains running which would have meant no service interuptions beyond those that have already occoured, it is still not too late to resolve the problem on the remaining two platforms but that would mean that they would have to admit that they made a mess of the work already carried out.
But with typical pennypinching shorted sighted expediency all the reconstruction on the two platforms already completed will now have to be raised by 9inches, a rather costly problem no wonder Andy Taylor is going grey trying to resolve problems created by others that make it just so much harder to provide the levels of service and convenience he strives to achieve.

[brad C]

Mufreight
If you haven't already observed, you will be notice a section in the centre of the refurbished platforms that is raised for disabled access.
It looks rather odd now that it is tiled as it tapers back down to the original platform levels.
I suspect it may initially be a trip hazzard for the uninitiated.
The problems with platforms 1 and 4 is that they are curved with obvious gaps between the rollingstock and the platform edge at various ponts where they are tangential.
This still occurs to a point on platform 6 at central which is raised to full height during its 1995 construction.

Brad C

[mufreight]

Reply to Brad

Yes the raised section has been noted but it still does not resolve the problem for most of the passangers.

It is feasable to raise the platform level to carriage floor height despite the curvature.  The electriv rollingstock carriages are the longest rolling stock on QR
the additional side clearance needed to provide an operating clearance would be less than 100mm and from the point of safety as well as convenience in loading a gap allowing for the doorway extensions on the electric rollingstock a gap of 100mm is more desirable than a step up of over 250mm.
The wheel of a pram or wheelchair will more readily negotiate a gap of 100mm than a vertical step of 250mm.
The fixed relative height of the electric rollingstock as a consequence of their air suspensions makes it simpler.

[brad C]

It's official. Platforms 3 and 4 are to be operational from 31 March with the corresponding closure of platforms 1 and 2 from that date.
See: http://www.translink.qld.gov.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/sc_qr_brunswick_platforms_mar08
Rather a confusing message particularly for northside commuters who are advised to change at Central rather than Bowen Hills.
There is a link to timetables , BUT unfortunately these are the existing rather than the phantom Mar 08 timetable  - still no word on this one (may have died).
Happy commuting!!

Brad C

[ozbob]

Here are some photographs of the raised section platform 3 Brunswick St. 
Light not the best but you get the idea.



Photograph R Dow 21 Mar 2008




Photograph R Dow 21 Mar 2008




Photograph R Dow 21 Mar 2008

[mufreight]

One would hope that the refurbish of platforms 1 & 2 will see at least these two platforms raised to carriage height, surely the "experts" will have had enough time to figure out hoew to do the job.

It would if they did provide the ideal situation for a comparison study to be carried out on the difference in dwell times to unload / load passangers and the safety factors with platforms 3 & 4 with their dromedaryian humps and platforms 1 & 2 with a full height platform.

See the seperate post on platform heights.

Seek and you may find, Ask and you might get some? answers.

Cheers

[ozbob]

From http://www.translink.com.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/sc_qr_brunswick_platforms_mar08


Brunswick Street station platform changes - effective 31 March 2008

From 10.30pm Friday, 28 March to 6am Monday, 31 March 2008 all trains will depart Brunswick Street station from platforms 1 and 4.

please note
From 3.45am to 7am on Saturday, 29 March 2008, all train services will be replaced by buses. Passengers may experience delays of up to 30 minutes.

From Monday, 31 March 2008 to December 2008 (approximately), Brunswick Street station platforms 3 and 4 will be reopened and platforms 1 and 2 will be closed for station refurbishment.

All QR lines servicing Brunswick Street station will stop at platforms 3 and 4.

Passengers travelling on Beenleigh, Gold Coast\Robina, Cleveland, Doomben and Ferny Grove lines (and all services that travel via South Brisbane station) should change at Central station for connections to Brunswick Street station.

Passengers travelling on the Airport line should travel on Caboolture or Shorncliffe line services to Eagle Junction station and change for Airport services.

[ozbob]

Might go in Saturday morning for a bo-beep 

[Derwan]

I think this will be to extend the raised area of platform 3 to the edge of the platform before the opening on Monday.  You'll probably find that platform 4 has already been done.

[ozbob]

I went to Brunswick St this morning shortly after platform 4 was re-opened for traffic (29 Mar 08).
Much improved and when all platforms complete will be a very modern addition to the network.
Excellent work.


Caboolture bound EMU about to depart from the new platform 4
This was one of the first services to use the new platform for passengers.



Photograph R Dow 29 Mar 2008

Train Information Display Platform 4
Note much larger fonts and clear displays. Much easier to read.



Photograph R Dow 29 Mar 2008


Raised area platform 4 Brunswick St - still a lip for clearance



Photograph R Dow 29 Mar 2008



Photograph R Dow 29 Mar 2008


New elevator up from platform 4, also lift in place and operational.



Photograph R Dow 29 Mar 2008


Overhead wires are already down on platform 2 road.
From Monday platforms 1 and 2 will be closed, platforms 3 and 4 operational.
Over the weekend split operations between platform 1 and 4.



Photograph R Dow 29 Mar 2008

Looking across from platform 1 to platform 3.
Various rock bands are immortalised on the wall of platform 3.
Regurgitator can be made out.



Photograph R Dow 29 Mar 2008

The new areas of the revamped station are very bright.  (My camera is not the best away from natural light  )

[Derwan]

Love the new displays!  I wondered when they'd go LCD rather than using those silly old TV's.  They need to upgrade the ones at Central and Roma St to be the same.

I like how it displays "Departs in" rather than "Departs at".... although it'll be a bit harder to tell when a train is actually running late.

[ozbob]

Media Release 30 March 2008

Brisbane:  Brunswick Street Station new platforms open!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the successful refurbishment of platforms 3 and 4 at Brunswick Street station.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?It is welcome news for rail commuters that the refurbishment of Brunswick Street Station has now moved to stage 2.  Platforms 3 and 4 will be open for passengers from Monday morning (31st March).  Platforms 1 and 2 will then be closed for refurbishment.?

?Passenger services actually resumed on platform 4 last Saturday morning, the 29th March. I took the opportunity to travel to Brunswick Street station and have a look.?

?Bright lighting, with disabled access is now in place with a lift and escalator available, and the stairs are a lot safer.  The level of finish is first class (1).?

?I was very impressed with the train departure information displays.  These are flat LCD screens that feature large fonts with bright colours, with countdowns to train departures. These complement the general high standard of the new station facilities.  These displays would be very welcome in Central and Roma Street stations too!?

?Some provision has also been made to facilitate easier access for wheelchairs, prams and those with step difficulties to board trains from the platforms. This has been achieved by the incorporation of raised areas towards the platform centres that raise that section of the platform to essentially the floor height of the trains to facilitate easier access.?

?I am sure rail commuters will be pleased too with the murals and other works that finish off the station. Very impressive project so far and commuters who use the station no doubt look forward keenly to the final completion of the project.?

Reference:

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=145.msg2794#msg2794
Contact:

Robert  Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

New-look station captures music history

New-look station captures music history
Shannon Molloy | March 31, 2008 - 11:01AM

Brisbane's rich musical history has been immortalised in art as part of the redevelopment of Brunswick Street station, which is speeding towards completion.

------------------
GALLERY (at Brisbanetimes): New-look Brunswick Street station
------------------

The station's newly-upgraded platforms three and four reopened this morning after several months of work, which saw a major facelift undertaken to increase public access and visual appeal.

Quotes from Andrew Stafford's iconic book Pig City, which follows the rise of several successful Brisbane bands, were integrated with artwork on the platforms.

In selecting which quotes would appear, Mr Stafford said he aimed to capture significant moments in Brisbane and Fortitude Valley's music history.

However a tour of the upgraded platforms this morning revealed a slight faux pax - workmen had covered part of a tribute to Mr Stafford's book with an exit sign.

A second "thank you" panel was also completely covered by an information sign. A bemused Mr Stafford received assurances the error would be corrected.

Brunswick Street is the city's second busiest station and caters to about 2.5 million passengers each year.

The station had begun to look a little tired, but the $30 million-plus redevelopment would "bring it up to speed" with the rest of the Valley, Member for Central Grace Grace said.

However she did acknowledge the disruptions caused to some passengers by the closure of platforms.

"It's a little inconvenience for a lot of gain," Ms Grace said.

"I'm confident the end result will be worth any temporary disruption to passengers."

After spending Saturday night exploring the Valley's nightclubs and bars to familiarise herself with the city's entertainment precinct, Ms Grace said she had seen first-hand the need for the redevelopment.

"The Valley is becoming a real hub of Brisbane - there were thousands of young people out enjoying themselves on Saturday.

"The redevelopment of this 30-year-old station will bring it up to speed with the Valley."

She praised the work of local artist Jennifer Merchant, whose soundwave pattern design had made the platforms much brighter and lighter.

Ms Merchant said the integrated art aimed to signify the arrival at Brisbane's music centre and give a sense of speed and movement.

Work on the station is expected to be completed in December.

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail article not online  31 March 2008 page 12

[ozbob]

Article Brisbane mX 31 March 2008 page 5 not online.

[ozbob]

Details of an Art competition for billboards at the Brunswick Street Station

Emerging artists billboard competition

Click here!  PDF

[ozbob]

From Project Managers Update  http://www.citytrain.com.au/brunswickstreet/updates.asp

As at 07 August
Progress of works
Recent works include:

Concourse

    * Lightning truss has been erected
    * Installation of fare gates is complete
    * Floor tiling almost complete
    * Installation of the ceiling nearly complete
    * Escalator has been installed 


Platforms

    * Floor tiling almost complete
    * Majority of bulk head ceilings complete
    * Lifts are currently being installed
    * Passenger Information Display Systems structure is ready for installation
    * Commenced installation of 2 lifts


Mezzanine

    * The mezzanine level has been completed and handed over to QR

Not long to go!

[Derwan]

Looking over the last few days, the works on platforms 1 and 2 look very close to completion.   

Things may finally be back to normal soon!

[Derwan]

The guard on our train this morning announced that platforms 1 and 2 would re-open on Saturday and that the station would be officially renamed to Fortitude Valley.   

[O_128]

The guard on the train this morning said passengers for fortidude vally/brunswick street please change trains at central.
Seems that for a while it will be similar to the goldcoast/robina arrangemnet.

Im guessing when varsity lakes opens that the line will now be the varsity lakes/goldcoast line.

[ozbob]

http://www.citytrain.com.au/BrunswickStreet/

Fortitude Valley station Reopening - Saturday 11 October 2008

I am delighted to advise the Fortitude Valley station refurbishment project is now complete and Platforms 1 and 2 will reopen to the public from first service Saturday 11 October, two months ahead of schedule.

Formerly known as ?Brunswick Street station?, the station was recently renamed ?Fortitude Valley station? as a result of community consultation and feedback.

The $32.8 million station refurbishment is the largest of its kind, combining both extensive disability and passenger safety upgrades taking on a contemporary, music-themed aesthetic look.

Stage One of the project was nine months in the making and was completed on 31 March 2008, with Stage Two of the project a little more than six months.

As a result, the new station features new lift, escalator and stairway access to each new-look platform from the retail level of the Valley Metro Centre, enhanced closed circuit television (CCTV) coverage and better lighting on the platform level.

The redevelopment also includes a new ceiling throughout the platforms, improved toilet amenities, seating and enhanced information signage.

In a first for QR Passenger, the new concourse will feature spectacular animated projection art honouring Queensland?s best musical talent, including Powderfinger and Savage Garden.

The lyrics of songs from well-known Brisbane bands will be projected onto glazed glass enabling even the customers in the Valley Metro food court to enjoy a song or two!

On behalf of QR Passenger and the TransLink Transit Authority, thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we completed the lengthy and complex task of the Fortitude Valley station refurbishment.

For further information on reinstated rail services to Fortitude Valley station from Monday 13 October 2008 please contact TransLink on 13 12 30 or visit www.translink.com.au

To view updated timetables to and from Fortitude Valley station, please click here. These are effective from Saturday 11 October. 

Paul Scurrah
Executive General Manager
QR Passenger Pty Ltd

[david]

Hooray!!!!

The new Fortitude Valley station looks excellent! Congratulations to QR on a great job! The refurbished stations is one of the more positive aspects of QR Citytrain. Now we only have to wait for the Indooroopilly refurb to finish before everything gets back to normal (mind you, it looks like its almost complete). It's good to see that they are keeping the trains to stopping on just on platforms 5 and 6 at central after 8pm...I quite liked that.

[O_128]

Finally. Anyone ready for a central station upgrade? 

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
10/10/2008

Station revamp gives Fortitude Valley new lease on life

Brisbane's vibrant Fortitude Valley has a new gateway following a $32.1 million makeover of the music and cultural precinct's railway station.

Minister for Transport John Mickel and Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace today launched the newly-redeveloped and renamed Fortitude Valley Station, describing it as the 'jewel in the crown' of the urban rail network's 143 stations.

"This major revamp is not simply a 'lick of paint' - we've invested in new lifts, escalators and stairways to significantly improve safety and access for all passengers," Mr Mickel said.

"The station also has an impressive, modern design and features an array of innovative artworks that pay homage to Brisbane and Fortitude Valley's rich and diverse music history.

"The station is one of the busiest on South East Queensland's urban rail network, with more than 2.5 million passengers travelling through per year.

"This upgrade project has been delivered almost $1 million below the $33 million budget and two months early.

"Thanks to the upgrade, Fortitude Valley station is now an iconic landmark locals can be proud of and a grand gateway to the restaurant, night club and artistic hub."

Mr Mickel said new-look platforms 1 and 2 and the upgraded concourse level would open for business tomorrow, marking the completion of the second and final stage of the upgrade, funded by the TransLink Transit Authority and delivered by QR and Bovis Lend Lease.

"Features of the station include a lift, escalator and stairway to each platform from the concourse, enhanced CCTV coverage, brighter lighting and improved information signage."

"The opening of platforms 1 and 2 enables all train services, including the Airtrain, moving through the station to return to normal and comes after the March 31 opening of platforms 3 and 4, which were upgraded under the first stage of the project."

Mr Mickel said passengers could absorb some of Brisbane's music history as they waited for their train thanks to artworks throughout the station.

"On the concourse, animated artwork featuring soundwaves and lyrics from songs by Brisbane bands, will be projected onto a glass space almost 13 metres wide and four metres tall within a few weeks," he said.

"Lyrics from songs such as Powderfinger's smash-hit Passenger will be projected for all commuters to see.

"Large, abstract works by Brisbane-based artist Jennifer Marchant adorn each of the four platforms, featuring soundwave patterns and quotes from author Andrew Stafford's book Pig City, which maps the rise of a host of home-grown bands from The Saints to Savage Garden.

"Some of the quotes refer to bands specifically, including Savage Garden, Powderfinger, The Saints, Regurgitator, Custard, The Go-Betweens and Screamfeeder.

"Also, I congratulate Dan Hancock, Dale Napier and Belinda Johnstone - the three winners of the Emerging Artists Competition, a recent competition for Brisbane-based emerging artists.

"These local artists now have their work showcased opposite platform 1 on 3m x 6m billboards."

Ms Grace said 'people power' had been behind the renaming of the station - formerly known as Brunswick Street.

"The idea initially came from the community as local businesses and residents had championed for a name change for some time, believing the name 'Brunswick Street' station didn't represent the overall local community and was confusing for visitors," Ms Grace said.

"We listened to the local community's initial suggestion and then asked for feedback from the wider community, and they agreed.

"The re-naming of the station, which coincides with the completion of the revamp, boosts its identity as a gateway to the Fortitude Valley precinct."

Mr Mickel thanked commuters, local residents and businesses for their patience during the upgrade works, which began in June 2007 and occurred around the station's continuing operations.

"It's hard to remember what the station used to look like with its tired, old ramps - the redevelopment brings it up to speed with its surroundings and gives the Valley a new lease of life," he said.

For more information about public transport, please visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

==============================================================

[ozbob]

I am going to have a look first thing tomorrow morning, when services resume on platforms one and two.

Good job!