RAIL - Back On Track Forum

https://twitter.com/CoxyJindas/status/1463250608492744708

This is an opportunity to deliver a new Indooroopilly train station just North of the current one with a mixed use TOD above and seamless bus/bne metro interchange, with the new bridge and road duplication under the rail tracks.

Is the bridge actually the cause of the congestion, though? I don't travel in that part of Brisbane much, but from the few times I have been there, I recall Coonan St being very congested during peak times. I'm not sure spending mega $ on a bridge to sit in congestion 200m up the road will really benefit anyone.

If the issue is genuinely that the bridge is reaching the end of its service life, than yes, it should probably be replaced. That doesn't mean enlarged, though - unless there's a demonstrated benefit to doing so, besides inducing more single-occupant motor vehicle trips. I guess bike lanes aren't needed as the Jack Pesch bridge provides them, and I did see load limits mentioned in the article, but how many large trucks genuinely need to use this bridge anyway?

https://twitter.com/CoxyJindas/status/1465195739491946501

Yet there is so much land vacant around rail stations, particularly the new Redcliffe line; that are just primed for mixed use, infill development. But instead, car parks are built and developers turn their eyes to the much cheaper and huge parcels of land out in the middle of no where due to really poor growth management by the state and local councils. High density, low rise is the most sustainable city model, not this low density, low rise, single dwelling crap. Dwelling houses certainly has a place in society, but not when some crazy high % of all dwelling options are detached dwellings houses.

There needs to be a range of dwelling options because not everyone wants to and can live in the suburbs. Apartment living is becoming more popular, affordable and just an attractive option, particularly among younger people and we need to support this demand with quality developments, not cramming as many students into the one student tower as possible. It's crazy when local residents complain about a 10 unit apartment going up in a central location such as the Gabba or Windsor because it will create a "traffic nightmare" but they are dead silent when these car dependent, lifeless developments are proposed, even though they will generate so much more traffic spread across an entire region. Go figure.

I thin RBOT needs to look at spatial areas for growth rather than the current approach, which is essentially the tail wagging the dog approach - have development in extremely far areas (40 km+) and then cause an emergency which then compels the expenditure of billions of dollars to extend mediocre service to these new areas.

Your Neighbourhood--->Tidal & Marine Plant Works Centenary Bridge Upgrade – Jindalee

Preliminary works begin on the Centenary Bridge duplication project

https://twitter.com/IpswichCouncil/status/1467645072518832131

SCN---> A $105m project will deliver 'smart' technology on a section of the Bruce Highway

Quote from: verbatim9 on January 11, 2022, 22:44:52 PM
SCN---> A $105m project will deliver 'smart' technology on a section of the Bruce Highway

A really 'smart' idea might be to build some proper alternatives to driving to the sunshine coast!

SCN---> First photos of eagerly anticipated 11km shortcut from Caloundra to Brisbane

QuoteA much-anticipated shortcut between Caloundra and the Bruce Highway that could save drivers up to 15 minutes on the drive to Brisbane is about 60 per cent finished.

^ article filled with the usual ignorant roads reducing congestion b.s. if anything this will probably make congestion on the Bruce worse due to inducing more demand. A wasted $70 mil that could've been more usefully spent on SCL duplication.

Couriermail --> $10m to find solution to city's most congested highway $

QuoteA $10 million masterplan has revealed some potential fixes for horrific congestion on one of the southeast's most clogged roads.

The Federal Government will spend $10 million on a masterplan looking into fixes for the congested Toowong to Darra section of the Centenary Motorway, which has the slowest inbound peak hour speeds anywhere in Brisbane.

The updated motorway masterplan outlines measures to improve safety, travel-time reliability and efficiency on an arterial road which has made it to the RACQ's top 10 most-congested roads every year for a decade.

An $80 million upgrade of the Sumners Rd Interchange at Jamboree Heights was opened six months ahead of schedule in March 2021, with construction of a duplicate Centenary Bridge and a wider, $244 million six-lane crossing scheduled to start this year.

The masterplan states the motorway would be upgraded in stages as funding became available, with the Jindalee bridge widening forming stage one. ...

It's almost like if the Ipswich/Springfield region and Centenary suburbs didn't have completely sub par or non-existent transport services, the traffic wouldn't be so bad...

Quote from: Cazza on June 08, 2022, 08:17:48 AMIt's almost like if the Ipswich/Springfield region and Centenary suburbs didn't have completely sub par or non-existent transport services, the traffic wouldn't be so bad...

What do you mean... why would anyone wanna catch public transport when they can sit the Centenary parking lot! 

Jokes aside, I haven't been over that way much. Is the public transport worse than the Sunshine Coasts and/or Moreton Bay?

Ipswich is pretty diabolical if you don't live within a stones throw of the railway line (and to somewhere else along the railway line out if travelling out that way). Unless hourly "feeder" buses mindlessly looping through suburbia that stop running at 7pm on weekdays and 5pm weekends is your thing of course (honourable mention to Route 515 though).

Springfield is doing somewhat better now with the recent bus changes, meaning the main 2 feeders for the area (527 and 528) are every 30 mins (although no additional services for 6-12 min peak train frequencies ). Hourly services and finishing at 5-6pm on weekends still isn't ideal.

15 min off-peak Springfield services with further improved feeders, a direct bus connection to Ipswich CBD via Redbank Plains, and improved services to Forest Lake/Browns Plains and Ripley would do wonders here.

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/654-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 654
Asked on 22 June 2022

MR D CRISAFULLI ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)—

QUESTION:

With reference to the Centenary Bridge duplication project—
Will the Minister advise (a) the reasons why major construction did not start in 2021 as per the
government's commitment prior to the last state election and (b) the current expected major
construction start date?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Broadwater for the question.

The $244 million Centenary Bridge duplication project—which is jointly committed by the
Queensland and Australian governments—is undergoing a complex tender assessment process
phase. The award of the construction contract required extensive due diligence and detailed
assessment, following a number of highly competitive alternative tenders. The project delivery
timeframes will be finalised and publicly communicated once the tendering process is complete.
The Palaszczuk Government is delivering its seventh record transport and roads infrastructure
program in a row, as detailed in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2022–23
to 2025–26, which outlines $29.7 billion in investment over the next four years and is estimated to
support an average of 25,200 direct jobs over the life of the program. Of this, $3.858 million is
committed across the Department of Transport and Main Roads' Metropolitan Region, estimated to
support an average of 3280 direct jobs over the life of the program.

Couriermail.com.au---> Dan Petrie: Brisbane needs more traffic bridges to connect city

QuotePopulation growth poses infrastructure challenge
Infrastructure Australia has warned a new wave of investment is needed to ensure roads and ... more
Brisbane residents, on your marks, get set, wait!!!! We can't forget about building bridges in this city.

The money for new stadiums is there but when it comes to building bridges that link our city, there have been far too many false starts!

The city of Brisbane needs to be linked.

Infrastructure Australia is still supporting freeways to bust congestion! So anything they say is to be ignored

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/95862

Have your say: Bruce Highway Western Alternative Stage 2

29th July 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The community is invited to share its thoughts for stage two of a major new transport corridor in the Moreton Bay region, west of the Bruce Highway.

Two options are being presented for both the northern and southern sections of the alignment.

The new road will increase capacity across the network and reduce congestion and long-term reliance on the Bruce Highway.

This project forms part of the $20 million North Brisbane Bruce Highway Western Alternative project with $10 million each committed by the Australian and Queensland governments.

The future Bruce Highway Western Alternative will be about 60 kilometres and connect Steve Irwin Way, Beerburrum with northern Brisbane.

It is being planned in stages.

The stage one corridor has been identified from Moodlu to Moorina within the Caboolture West development area.

Stage two from Moorina to Narangba is the subject of the current community consultation.

This section is about 15 kilometres and located west of the fast-emerging communities of Kinma Valley and Morayfield South.

Determining a preferred alignment and locations for future interchanges is critical to support future growth in the area.

Planning for stage three from Narangba to Kallangur, and stage four from Beerburrum to Moodlu, will be progressed when stage two has been finalised.

The corridor is not being planned to specifically get motorists to the University of Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay campus at Petrie.

 The corridor serves a more strategic purpose in providing an alternate route to the Bruce Highway and to help alleviate congestion and accommodate future growth in the region.

Transport and Main Roads will keep the community informed on planning and consultation for these stages.

For more information and to have your say, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/north-brisbane-bruce-highway-western-alternative-planning.

The community can also attend drop-in sessions to speak with the project team:

Session 1: Tuesday 9 August, 3pm-6pm, Upper Caboolture Farmers Assembly Hall

Session 2: Thursday 11 August, 2.30pm-5.30pm, Burpengary Community Hall

Session 3: Saturday 13 August, 10am-1pm, Narangba Community Hall

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey:

"With growing population pressures across the Moreton Bay region, an alternative road to the west of the Bruce Highway will boost the capacity of the transport network, reduce congestion and future proof the Moreton Bay lifestyle.

"Community consultation is an important part of major projects like this to ensure we are delivering the best outcome for residents.

We are committed to sustainable and planned advancement across South East Queensland, especially as we tackle unprecedented growth in our urban centres.

"The Palaszczuk Labor Government is supporting this growth and we will continue to prioritise planning and investment in the areas that need it

"The future western alternative to the Bruce Highway will be a key connector for all those who travel between Brisbane and the Moreton Bay region.

"I encourage locals to have a look at the plans, jump online to provide feedback or drop into one of the face-to-face sessions."

Quotes attributable to State Member for Kurwongbah Shane King:

"This is a fast-emerging community and I'm committed to seeing a route planned that will one day eliminate the need to jump on the Bruce Highway.

"Not only will this see locals get home safer and sooner, but it will also reduce congestion on the Bruce Highway for those passing through.

"The major new transport corridor complements the other works taking place right now, like the Deception Bay Road interchange upgrade and Bruce Highway widening works from Brisbane right to the Sunshine Coast.

"I've advocated for my community to have certainty around planning, which is why specialists have assessed viable options for the stage 2 corridor between Moorina and Narangba.

"Now we want to hear from you formally about what will work best for our community to help determine which route progresses for more detailed planning.

"We know that better transport connections lead to more job opportunities for locals, reducing the barriers of travel time and costs.

"That's why we've been investing in both road and rail upgrades right across the Moreton region where our population is booming."

Quotes attributable to State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan:

"To have your say and be part of informing the alignment ahead of a gazettal process, make sure you get your feedback in by the time it closes on 2 September.

"The Caboolture West interim structure plan, which was released this week, shows that people will be flocking to the area, which is why it's important that we get this planning done now.

"Caboolture West will transform our region and the Palaszczuk Government is backing that transformation all the way."

ENDS

Your Neighbourhood--->Planning Begins - $20 Million Bruce Highway Western Alternatives - North Brisbane

ABC News --> Bridge upgrade on Centenary Motorway at Jindalee delayed due to contract issues

QuoteThe construction of a new northbound bridge at the notorious Centenary Motorway bottleneck over the Brisbane River at Jindalee has been delayed until 2023.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey says an alternate bid for the project has to be investigated
The $244 million project involves duplicating the Centenary Bridge and converting the existing bridge to a three-lane southbound route, with a new three-lane bridge travelling northbound.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said contract issues had complicated the upgrade's timeline, with delays due to an alternate bid being submitted for the project that required "thorough due diligence" before work could proceed.

"[The delay is] unfortunate but not a huge delay, so we're getting it built as soon as we possibly can," Mr Bailey said.

"We'll certainly see construction start next year." ...

Bruce Highway Western Alternative

Have your say on a new transport corridor between Beerburrum and north Brisbane

> https://www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bhwa

Ipswich Tribune --> Centenary Highway planning underway $

QuoteA $1 MILLION tender has been awarded to Aurecon to carry out a planning study along 30km

of the Centenary Highway between Darra and Yamanto.

Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the study was a crucial element in future planning for the highway.

"The key aim of this study will be producing a masterplan for the corridor to ensure future requirements of the area are well considered," Ms Mullen said.  ...

====

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1559715150399426560

Yaaaaaaa More congestion and more taxes down the drain!!!!                       

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/95978

Breaking ground on M1 works Pimpama
18th August 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Work has begun today on a major upgrade of the Exit 49 (Pimpama) Interchange to improve safety and bust congestion on the M1.

A new bridge over the motorway, additional traffic lanes, on and off-ramp upgrades and new signalised intersections to replace roundabouts will keep traffic moving safely and efficiently.

The $110.768 million project is funded 50:50 between the Australian and Queensland governments, including a developer contribution of $305,000.

The project is expected to be complete in 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting.

For more information, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/exit49

For up-to-date traffic and road condition information, call 13 19 40, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or download the QldTraffic app.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

 "I'm pleased to announce Queensland based company Seymour Whyte is starting work to transform the M1 interchange at Pimpama.

"The upgrade will reduce queueing on the M1 and keep traffic moving efficiently and safely through the busy interchange.

"This investment will ease pressure on a known bottleneck on the northern end of the Gold Coast and help improve commuter times.

"It is a great win for Gold Coasters, who will find themselves getting home sooner and safer once the upgrade is complete."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

"Pimpama is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and today we are kicking off works to help new and old Pimpama residents home safer.

"We know the community here has outgrown the dual roundabout interchange which is why signalised intersections will be created on either side, along with extended on and off-ramps.

"The changes will minimise the frustrating time spent exiting the M1 in either direction, all while keeping traffic flowing over the M1 thanks to a new overpass.

"If you don't travel by car, we've got you covered with new bike lanes and pathways for safer travel also being built into the upgrade.

"This is a big project that will support about 175 good Queensland jobs over the life of the project, and will benefit local suppliers along the way.

"The Palaszczuk Labor Government is backing the Gold Coast like never before, as evidenced by our seventh record road and transport budget.

"The Gold Coast is growing so our transport infrastructure needs to keep pace, which is why we're delivering over $5 billion in projects across Logan, the Gold Coast and surrounds.

"That's seven times more than the Queensland LNP committed to keep the Gold Coast moving in their last transport budget.

"Only Labor is building a bigger, better Gold Coast and we're building it right now."

Quotes attributable to Gold Coast-based Queensland Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

"The Gold Coast is growing rapidly, and our city needs the infrastructure and services to accommodate the 800,000 people that'll call it home by the time the Olympics roll around.

"That's why we're investing in three new train stations, a new $1.3 billion hospital in Coomera, light rail and major upgrades to the M1.

"This upgrade is something I know local families have been looking forward to.

"With Exit 49 underway, Gold Coast families are seeing a pipeline of projects for our city that'll rapidly come online.

"Major investments in roads and health now means better services, good jobs and protecting our great lifestyle as we grow."

ENDS

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1567164700366086144

Significant road works occurring on the Moggill Road and Coonan Streets underpass at Indooroopilly. Moggill road is now completely inaccessible as construction is going gang busters. All Moggill road traffic is now diverted onto Coonan street as a temporary measure. They have installed  temporary lights to mamage the new traffic flow.

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1580771136694259712

Maybe Tom was right, I am not sure what the SEQ Council of Mayors has really achieved.

Fast rail has evaporated.  Citydeals is going nowhere fast.

All they have achieved especially the Minister is

https://twitter.com/brisbanetimes/status/1580302290954510338?

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1580771136694259712

^^^ This would have been a better meeting and outcome if the "Deal" was to make all LGAs contribute annually to ongoing PT operational funding.

What is primarily lacking here is operational funding. They all need to start contributing to bus operations, especially the larger councils such as Gold Coast so that basic frequencies can go up and mode share can then shift across.

Despite all councils pretty much focusing on road improvements, Sunshine Coast Council would of asked for prioritisation of their local LRT and and train line from Brisbane.

Gold Coast Council would of asked for the train extension to OOL and further extension of their LRT and maybe BRT east west connections.

Toowoomba Council would of ask for the electric fast rail from Brisbane.

Brisbane Council wants more infrastructure to extend their metro project.

Quote from: #Metro on October 15, 2022, 11:02:28 AMhttps://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1580771136694259712

^^^ This would have been a better meeting and outcome if the "Deal" was to make all LGAs contribute annually to ongoing PT operational funding.

What is primarily lacking here is operational funding. They all need to start contributing to bus operations, especially the larger councils such as Gold Coast so that basic frequencies can go up and mode share can then shift across.

Depends how much rates they collect to cover such expenditure. Otherwise, they would require an extra top up from the Federal Government.

QuoteDepends how much rates they collect to cover such expenditure. Otherwise, they would require an extra top up from the Federal Government.

It is a difficult position for an LGA to complain that State and Federal levels are not contributing enough when they virtually contribute nothing.

LGAs in Queensland are larger and in SEQ have high population bases from which they can recover a portion of PT operating costs from. For Ipswich, introducing ongoing PT contributions would be about 2-3% of their budget. Other councils such as Gold Coast are much larger, so the scope for revenue is much higher.

No LGA, of course, wants to spend money if they can get the Queensland Government to do that instead, but there is such a long list of major infrastructure projects that are incredibly costly (e.g. rail extensions servicing new sprawl) that long term that approach cannot be relied upon.

Tying the costs of PT to what local councils are approving and the rules they make on development will incentivise councils to approve more mixed use development that is PT-friendly. The video below goes through the high costs of non-mixed use developments.


https://youtu.be/7Nw6qyyrTeI

Sent to all outlets:

Car's reign as king has SEQ liveability on life support

16th October 2022

Brisbanetimes recently published an article highlighting just how woeful the transport and city planning is in South East Queensland.
(1. Billions spent on public transport, but car is still king in Brisbane https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/billions-spent-on-public-transport-but-car-is-still-king-in-brisbane-20221012-p5bp88.html ).

The transport nightmare across Brisbane and SEQ is damaging not only our reputation as a "Great City" but the public's health and well-being, the cost to live, the availability/affordability of our housing, the strength of our economy and the ability to enjoy living in the region.  There is a real risk our potential Olympic visitors will return home warning family, friends and colleagues to skip Brisbane altogether. A failure to properly invest in public and active transport adds to the cost of health care, massively.

Our governments at all levels have created this mess. They have not failed to plan for it or invest enough in right infrastructure.  A fact the planning and engineering professions have known for decades. Yet our governments thought they knew better.  Every day is a reminder that they have got it horribly wrong.  Even the 'big ticket' public transport projects like Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro will by themselves simply not make a big difference.  Poor planning and prioritising "congestion busting" freeways, tunnels and ever wider and faster roads has made the transport mess damaging the liveability of the region.

Figures from the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2022-23 to 2025-26. 
Bulk of rail investment is Cross River Rail.  Rail, bus and active transport are grossly underfunded.



https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/QTRIPonline/Fast-facts

Our governments and major parties need to urgently accept that this mess is of their making and it is way past time to listen to the experts like Brent Toderian, the former City Planner of Vancouver, when he advises (2):

"Successful multimodal cities aren't just about what your city starts doing — i.e., funding transit — it's what you stop doing — i.e., widening roads."

and

"... everybody asks, "Why aren't more people using transit?" It is because you're still inducing car traffic."

Our governments need to immediately:

* explain to the people of South East Queensland why more of the same can never fix the transport problems because it is actually creating them;
* halt all "congestion busting/upgrade" road projects and redirect the money towards active/public transport;
* increase densities/housing mix around our railway/busway stations and commercial/employment centres;
* build separated bike/bus lanes on major roads - especially where the bike lane is just paint today or in a "door zone";
* implement 30km/hr speed limits on all residential streets and school zones;
* turn our confusing, low frequency, non-integrated bus network into one that is centred around Bus Rapid Transport routes along our major roads and works with the rail network not compete against it;
* review the Brisbane Metro buses to confirm if they are fit for purpose and able to scale up to do the heavy lifting of passengers on the busway; and
* remove parking minimums.

It is time to act before the "Crash Cart" is needed to resuscitate the region.

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org


References:

1. Billions spent on public transport, but car is still king in Brisbane
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/billions-spent-on-public-transport-but-car-is-still-king-in-brisbane-20221012-p5bp88.html

2. Brent Toderian: Don't "Balance" Modes — Prioritize Walking, Biking, and Transit
https://denver.streetsblog.org/2017/02/09/brent-toderian-dont-balance-modes-prioritize-walking-biking-and-transit/

Facebook ...

Couriermail --> Federal Budget 2022: Major upgrade for M1 Bruce Highway $

QuoteQueensland will get $1.47 billion in infrastructure spending on infrastructure spearheaded by $586.4 million for a major upgrade of the M1 Bruce Highway just north of Brisbane.

There will also be $200 million to upgrade another 12.9 km stretch of the highway between Mango Hill and South Caboolture, expanding it from six to eight lanes.

The funding fulfils spending promises made by Labor in the lead-up to May's federal election.

There will also be funding for planning works for the next stage of the Ipswich Motorway.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese said sound and planned infrastructure investment in Queensland creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth.

"It's about making journeys quicker, but also making sure Queenslanders can get home to their families safely," he said.

"Through our first Budget, my team is getting on with the job of delivering projects in consultation with Infrastructure Australia and all levels of Government to make a real difference to the lives of Australians."

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said good roads are the lifeblood of communities across Queensland and "improving safety and travel time" was important for local families and the economy. ...
[/html]

More of the same failure paradigm ...

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1581386222131621888

^ 

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1581400584191561728