Darra to Springfield Stage 1 construction Darra to Richlands

[ozbob]

Construction has started! 

http://www.qr.com.au/SEQIP/projects/Springfield/default.asp

Stage 1

Rail
A new dual passenger railway line will be built to Richlands and a new Richlands railway station (north of Progress Road) with a 650-space carpark. 

Road
Four lanes of the Centenary Highway will be built from the intersection of Boundary and Kelliher Roads at Richlands to north of the Logan Motorway Interchange.

The balance of the project

The balance of the project is to build the four lane highway from the Logan Motorway Interchange to Springfield as well as an extension of the railway line, with a station at Springfield near the Orion shopping centre.  The Logan Motorway Interchange will also be upgraded.

Comment: It is essential that the stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes are built when the line is finally extended to Springfield during that construction. To not do that would be a colossal mistake.

South West News 19 Mar 2008  Advertisment page 29

[ozbob]

The DTSC March Newsletter is interesting reading click here!  PDF

Extract below page 2.

Note the new line, swings off the northern side and then under the main line!

[ozbob]

These media releases will be of interest too:

2 Dec 2007 SEQ:  Darra to Springfield railway line needed now!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=321.0

7 Oct 2007 Brisbane:  Flawed Queensland Transport planning highlighted.
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=246.0

[mufreight]

What planing?
We were told that they were going to build a fifth platform at Darra, a waste of money, now they are going to waste even more money by running the tracks for the Springfield line under the Ipswich line tracks from the northern side.
Do not know what they are smoking but it must be good stuff but then while they are spending taxpayers money they can afford the best but unfortunately what they are delivering is less than the best,
Must have been engineered by the experts frpm the Toy Trains Almost group.

[ozbob]

I am not sure why the line is coming off the north side and then cutting under the main line.  Maybe it is less disruptive to properties or some other infrastructure issue (hidden pipes or something).  I might go and have a good look over Easter as time permits.

[QRIG]

Judging by that so they're cutting under the Main Line through the sports grounds and coming out between the North/South bound lanes of the Centenary Highway, and yet still have to reach a 5m clearance of the Ipswich Motorway, cross back under the South bound lane of the Centenary Highway and emerge in the current reservation area ... What a mess.

[ozbob]

It might just be the map above is misleading. It is possibly a flyover over the main western line.  This makes a lot more sense as it gives the required height to not only cross the main western line but also the highway to take up the right of way in the corridor.

Await confirmation (emailed question 20 March 2008)

20 March 2008

To: info@horizon.incite.com.au

Greetings,

The map in the March newsletter (http://www.qr.com.au/SEQIP/Images/DSTC_Newsletter%202%20(Mar08)%20FINAL_tcm30-22315.pdf) shows the line to Richlands leaving the main line northern side west of Darra then cutting 'under' the main western line.
Is this correct? Would it possibly be a flyover, that is going over rather than under.

Thanks.

[ozbob]

Thanks, response received to the question.  Now we know, excellent.

Thank you for your email and interest in the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor (DSTC) Project. We appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback.

In regards to your query we are able to provide the following information at this time.

The section of the newsletter map you are referring to shows the existing Ipswich line in its current state. Future works proposed for the Ipswich line will see it realigned to the northern side of the new passenger rail line. Please note, the Ipswich line realignment will be a Trackstar Alliance project.

The new Springfield line will pass over the Ipswich line on a bridge structure.

If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Project Team.

[ozbob]

This is a very interesting response. 

The Darra to Richlands line is going to be elevated over the present Ipswich line and over the Highways to the corridor.  What is a surprise to me is that the main line is going to be realigned north of the new Richlands line. This makes sense as it might be to ease the grades/curves into Darra. 

Now  although the elevation of the new line will take it over the present main line, that is just fortuitous in that it needs to swing that way to gain the height in easy grade to cross the highway.  Particularly as the section of the Ipswich line from Darra to essentially where the line goes under the Centenary Highway will be realigned north of the new line?

Interesting days ahead ..

[ozbob]

General view of the site of Richlands railway station corner Progress and Garden roads Richlands
looking in a general westerly direction



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08


Looking west at the station site from an up position



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08




Looking towards Progress Corner over the cleared station site area



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08




Looking west at the general station area from an up position further in the reserved corridor



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08


BT Bus passes Progress Corner bus stop



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08


Progress Corner shops - soon to very busy!
Opposite side of Garden road to station complex



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08

[ozbob]

Darra looking at the new works for the main line and flyover for the Richlands branch
Note the left hand and then right curves, the new alignment will remove these



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08


Works for the new lines can be seen in the distance



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08


Track maintenance vehicles parked at the end of the present platform 1 line



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08

[ozbob]

Work proceeding.

These photographs show the cutting and what will be the new alignment for the main line to Ipswich and beyond.

Looking west from foot bridge at Darra
The cutting for the new alignment is taking shape



Photograph R Dow 1 June 2008



Photograph R Dow 1 June 2008

[ozbob]

Updated view of Richlands Railway Station site.
Looking in a general westerly direction from Garden Road. Earthworks progressing.



Photograph R Dow 12 June 2008

[Otto]

On a side note, yesterday (wed 11th), there was a partial closure of the line between Indooroopilly and Toowong during the day. There seemed to be quite a few trackwork machines on this section busily doing track maintenence.

[ozbob]

Work proceeding on the new main line alignment.
New overhead power masts in place already.
Looking west and the general area of the new mainline from western footbridge.



Photograph R Dow 14 June 2008

[ozbob]

This is an extract from Corinda to Darra Rail Upgrade Alignment Map May 08

It is shows the the line to Richlands (green), the present main line alignment and the new mainline alignment.

[ozbob]

The 'Official first sod turning ceremony ' photo-op is happening today for the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor.

I wish that an announcement that the line will be continued from Richlands to Springfield  (double) and the stations built at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes from the outset, will also be forthcoming now rather than 2015 .....

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
01/07/2008

$800 million project offers transport choices

Minister for Transport John Mickel today turned the sod on an $800 million infrastructure project which will be the first integrated road and rail project ever to be built in South East Queensland.

Minister Mickel was joined by Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk and Councillor Milton Dick to mark the start of construction at the Richlands railway station - a key component of the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor project.

The infrastructure is the first integrated road and rail project ever to be built in South East Queensland.

"This new infrastructure is vital - the Greater Springfield area has a population of 15,000 which is expected to reach up to 120,000 in the next 20 years," Mr Mickel said.

"On top of this is the growth in surrounding suburbs, such as Forest Lake and Richlands, but we are planning and building for that growth.

"This infrastructure will tackle congestion but it will also anticipate the future growth in thi s corridor and give people transport choices."

Stage one of the project includes constructing a new passenger railway line from Darra to a new station at Richlands.

At the same time the Centenary Highway at Richlands will be upgraded from two to four lanes to meet with the Logan Motorway interchange at Carole Park.

Mr Mickel said building both road and rail at the same time made good sense to save time and money and cause less disruption.

"This project provides an innovative and effective transport solution by offering a road and rail solution in the booming western corridor," he said.

Mr Mickel said the new Richlands railway station would provide commuters with an estimated 650 car parks, bus interchange, bicycle lockers, taxi set down areas and kiss 'n' ride bays.

Stage one of the project will be completed in 2011 while the balance of the entire Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor project will be finished by 2015.

This will continue the Centenary Highway's four lane duplication and extend the railway line to Springfield, building up to three extra new railway stations along the route.

"Currently, the Centenary Highway from Richlands to Carole Park carries an estimated 26,000 vehicles per day in each direction," Mr Mickel said.

"When the Centenary Highway is duplicated in 2011, traffic volumes will have increased to almost 32,000 vehicles per day."

Mr Mickel added that a dedicated visitors' centre, staffed by members of the project team, will open at the Richlands station site in October 2008.

"The centre will feature a scaled 3D project model, digital project fly-throughs, noise barrier design examples, detailed maps and comprehensive information materials for community members," he said.

The Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor Project is being delivered by The Horizon Alliance - collaboration between QR, the Department of Main Roads, John Holland Pty Ltd, GHD Pty Ltd and Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd (KBR).

For more information on the project, please call 1800 887 464 (freecall) or visit www.qr.com.au/seqip

Tuesday 1 July, 2008

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

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Work begins on key western rail project

Work begins on key western rail project
Marissa Calligeros | July 1, 2008 - 3:08PM

The Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor took a small but significant step towards completion this morning with the turning of the first sod on the Richlands Station site.

Transport Minister John Mickel said the station was a vital part of the rail corridor's infrastructure.

"The Greater Springfield area has a population of 15,000 which is expected to reach up to 120,000 in the next 20 years," Mr Mickel said.

The four kilometre rail extension from Darra to Richlands, the new state-of-the-art station at Richlands and a five kilometre widening of the Centenary Highway to north of the Logan Motorway Interchange will be completed by 2011.

"Currently, the Centenary Highway from Richlands to Carole Park carries an estimated 26,000 vehicles per day in each direction," Mr Mickel said.

"When the Centenary Highway is duplicated in 2011, traffic volumes will have increased to almost 32,000 vehicles per day."

However, there has been some wrangling between the Government and developers over the 2015 delivery date - four years later than initially expected - for the remainder of the western rail corridor to Springfield.

The State Government originally estimated $840 million for the motorway and rail project to Springfield. However, that sum has been allocated to the Richlands rail line and Centenary Highway upgrades.

Work began earlier this year on a new 5.2 kilometre rail track between Corinda and Darra stations, costing $189 million.

Springfield councillor David Morrison previously told brisbanetimes.com.au developers and families were extremely disappointed the project had not been fast-tracked.

[ozbob]

Work is proceeding at Richlands

Photograph of site for new station, now levelled.
Adjacent parking areas taking shape





Opposite side of the station looking across Progress Road, this is where the line to Springfield will be.




Point where the railway line will cross Garden Road
Pegs make the future railway position



Photographs R Dow 6 July 2008

[ozbob]

Another view of Richlands Station area.



Photograph mufreight 6 July 2008

[ozbob]

From The Satellite 9 July 2008 page 1

Rail journey begins
New $800 million project for Richlands site



The article was accompanied by a photograph of Councillor Milton Dick, Transport Minister John Mickel and State Member Anastacia Palaszczuk at the site.

Note "building up to three extra stations".  This is a reference to the proposed stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes and Springfield Central 

[ozbob]

Latest project newsletter

Available from http://www.qr.com.au/SEQIP/projects/Springfield/default.asp

--> PDF 1.7 MB  (external link)

[ozbob]

Some extracts from the August newsletter.

The first shows the general arrangement of the branch line from Darra across the highway.
This is not exactly correct, the new mainline will be in place and this is not shown on this view.




Richlands station - island platform.

[david]

 
A two-storey carpark at Richlands??? What smart thinking!!!

[mufreight]

Seems that the powers that be can not get over their preocopation with overbridges and expensive lifts, a subway with ramps is more cost effective than an overbridge with stairs and needing lifts for disabled access.
Subways and ramps are more passanger friendly, 3 metres down a ramp rather than 6 metres up stairs with lifts needed for disabled access which require continual ongoing maintenence, the station is a greenfield construction so subways could be built before platforms are constructed and track formation is built up and track laid.
But then we are continually reminded that this is the Smart (Ouch that smarts/hurts) state.

[QRIG]

Problem with that logic is ... stacked ramps require more space. They need to be 1:10 to be compliant, and these ramps need to be quite long to get down to the right grade quickly. Another problem is, your relying on a wheelchair bound persons fitness level to determine if they can even get to the station or not. Lifts are the better alternative, yes they don't carry many people but they're purely there for ease of access for the elderly, disabled and parents with prams.

Screw walking up 3 levels of ramps to go 3M up. When a lift and a stair case will do the job.

[ozbob]

Preliminary earthworks well advanced.  A few photographs showing the general area for the Richlands Station and associated parks and structures, photographs taken from Progress Road











When walking back to the Progress Road Corner I noted a bus on a tow



Photographs R Dow 24 August 2008

[stephenk]

Seems that the powers that be can not get over their preocopation with overbridges and expensive lifts, a subway with ramps is more cost effective than an overbridge with stairs and needing lifts for disabled access.
Subways and ramps are more passanger friendly, 3 metres down a ramp rather than 6 metres up stairs with lifts needed for disabled access which require continual ongoing maintenence, the station is a greenfield construction so subways could be built before platforms are constructed and track formation is built up and track laid.
But then we are continually reminded that this is the Smart (Ouch that smarts/hurts) state.

If I was in a wheelchair, or pushing a person in a wheelchair, I would prefer a lift to a ramp!

(Having a disabled brother and being a hospital worker I know how difficult it is to propel a wheelchair up a ramp, and the potential dangers of going down a ramp).

[ozbob]

Interesting map from the Ipswich Motorway Upgrade Wacol to Darra August 2008 Newletter

Shows the railway line to Richlands passing under Ipswich Road



http://www.mainroads.qld.gov.au/wacol2darra

[ozbob]

Work proceeding around Richlands.









Photographs mufreight 2nd November 2008

[ozbob]

Had a look around Darra West this afternoon.

The embankments for the flyovers for the Springfield branch are taking shape.

This is the beginning of the branch line proper. This embankment will be a bit higher and have a double track on it.



Mainline at Darra West





Photographs R Dow 8th November 2008

[ozbob]

There is a computer simulation of the upgraded Ipswich Highway which shows  a train crossing and heading to Richlands up at the Courier Mail.


Click --> here!

[O_128]

Lol i heard an ad on the radio today abut springfield lakes and how close it is to public transport.

[ozbob]

Slow but steady progress at Darra West.  The main embankment to take the new line up and over the Ipswich Highway continues to take shape.





EMU47 scurries by on the way to Wacol and Ipswich.



Photographs R Dow 20th December 2008

[ozbob]

At the other end of the first stage.

Richlands, corner Garden and Progress Roads.




Bus on a 460 at Progress Corner




Looking back towards Progress Road from the Garden Road bridge








Looking back towards Garden Road, and where the previous 3 photographs were taken from.
Overlooking the general railway station area



Photographs R Dow 24th December 2008

[QRIG]

There is a computer simulation of the upgraded Ipswich Highway which shows  a train crossing and heading to Richlands up at the Courier Mail.


Click --> here!

Interesting to note the simulation also shows the Progress Road level crossing grade separated as part of the current flyover at Wacol. About time too, its taken me 25 mins to get out of the secure car park before due to the combination of heavy traffic shortcutting via Wacol Station Road, multiple trains going past, etc.

[ozbob]

From the South West News 7th January 2009, page 11

Rail project talks still hanging in limbo

Rail project talks still hanging in limbo

SPRINGFIELD Land Corporation and State Government discussions concerning fast-tracking the Darra to Springfield rail line project to 2012 are continuing.

Early works have commenced between Darra to Richlands for stage one of the rail project and the remainder of the $872 million passenger rail line is due for completion in 2015.

Springfield Land Corporation managing director Bob Sharpless said the corporation was still working out whether a privately funded arrangement was possible.

The State Government has also included the project in its top 10 list of submissions to Infrastructure Australia for funding.

[ButFli]

One would imagine that under the tough economic conditions of today's world sourcing private funding might be difficult.

Anyone interested in putting their superannuation on the line? :p

[ozbob]

Darra West, embankments slowing taking shape.











Photographs R Dow 8th March 2009