RAIL - Back On Track Forum

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1680399440815992833

Brisbanetimes --> Deep down, Cross River Rail commuters will stay connected

QuoteThe tunnelling is complete and the tracks laid. Now, work is well underway to ensure Cross River Rail commuters never lose contact with the outside world as they travel deep beneath Brisbane's city streets.

About 180 workers were installing hundreds of kilometres of electrical and high-speed fibre optic cables along the lengths of the new train tunnels. ...

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1680415086060670976

There was a locomotive hit an excavator at Fairfield station last night. Although I'm not sure it has made the news yet.

Mark Bailey defends management of the Cross River Rail project

"World class signalling cable"

QuoteThe transport minister has defended his management of the Cross River Rail project, just days after being forced to confirm a multi-billion dollar budget blow-out.

Is someone going to correct 7 news on the 'crr' budget blowout. The train manufacturing program had the cost blowout, not CRR 😂😂😂😂

Quote from: RowBro on July 16, 2023, 21:58:00 PMIs someone going to correct 7 news on the 'crr' budget blowout. The train manufacturing program had the cost blowout, not CRR 😂😂😂😂

It was used as an indirect point to introduce/context for the CRR story.

Quote from: ozbob on July 16, 2023, 22:58:46 PM

Quote from: RowBro on July 16, 2023, 21:58:00 PMIs someone going to correct 7 news on the 'crr' budget blowout. The train manufacturing program had the cost blowout, not CRR 😂😂😂😂

It was used as an indirect point to introduce/context for the CRR story.

The reporter clearly states at around 30s that Mark Bailey had "known for weeks that the cross river rail contract had blown out by more than 2 billion dollars" while showing the train manufacturing website page as the graphic. Its a muckup by 7, plain and simple.

^ the Ministers staff will be on to it.  Never fear ...

Quote from: kram0 on July 16, 2023, 18:23:40 PMThere was a locomotive hit an excavator at Fairfield station last night. Although I'm not sure it has made the news yet.

I am more interested if it makes it to the ATSB 

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1680493635861639168

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98233

Hi-tech fit out deep below Brisbane transforming Cross River Rail
17th July 2023

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

. About 180 workers involved in massive program of mechanical and electrical works
. More than 18 kilometres of cables and 12 kilometres of pipeline already installed
. Technical fit out includes lighting, speakers, and communications equipment

With tracks already laid, progress is continuing deep beneath Brisbane on the next critical phase of works in Cross River Rail's twin tunnels.

About 180 workers are involved in the tunnel fit-out, which includes installing emergency walkways, pipes and hundreds of kilometres of various kinds of cabling to ensure the safe and reliable operation of trains in the tunnels.

So far, work is underway on around 40 per cent of the 10 kilometres of emergency walkways, while 12 kilometres of pipes have been installed.

About 18 kilometres of feeder cables have been installed to date, which will provide communications coverage through the tunnels, including for mobile phone reception and train signalling equipment.

Hundreds of more kilometres of electrical and high-speed fibre optic cables will also be installed, allowing equipment in the tunnels to be installed and operated remotely.

Meanwhile, work is also progressing well on the 16 cross passages that link the twin tunnels, with features such as lights, speakers, cameras, smoke detectors and emergency phones being installed.

The cross passages, which connect Cross River Rail's parallel train tunnels every 240 metres, are an important safety features that allow people to move from one tunnel to the other in the unlikely event of an emergency.

As the walkway and cable installation moves closer to completion, focus will shift to installation of the overhead electrical system that will supply power to the trains as they travel through the tunnels.

The majority of tunnel fit-out work is expected to be completed in early 2024, which will be followed by extensive testing and commissioning.

Quotes attributed to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

"With the tracks laid and the mechanical and electrical fit out of Cross River Rail's tunnels well underway, this transformational project is really coming to life.

"While some people might not realise it's even happening beneath their feet, the important work currently underway in the tunnels will ensure trains can operate reliably and safely.

"Building a new underground rail line is no simple task, and the efforts underway to bring all these complex systems together is a credit to the hundreds of workers involved.

"It's always incredible to see just how much progress is being made, and you can really start to get a sense of what Cross River Rail will look like once complete.

"It's exciting to think that these tunnels will soon make it easier to get around on our rail network, including to our four new underground stations and the year-round station being built at Exhibition."

ENDS

Couriermail --> Cross River Rail: Key commuter question answered as project enters hi-tech phase $

QuoteThe Transport Minister has flagged an "important" new hi-tech phase of the Cross River Rail project that will bring a sigh of relief from commuters.

Hundreds of kilometres of cabling including technology to prevent commuters losing mobile service underground will soon be laid through Brisbane's Cross River Rail tunnels, as the project gears up toward an "important" phase next year.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey, inspecting progress on the section of the Cross River Rail in Spring Hill, confirming 180 workers were set to lay hundreds of kilometres of hi-tech cabling through the underground sections of the 10.2-kilometre rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills.

He also reaffirmed the state government was confident the Cross River Rail project wouldn't cost more than $6.3bn — up from $5.4bn originally — following an independent analysis in April. ...

A lot of promotion of this 'world class' magic cable. What is it? An antenna cable??

Quote from: #Metro on July 17, 2023, 09:46:31 AMA lot of promotion of this 'world class' magic cable. What is it? An antenna cable??

The leaky feeder system is used for underground mobile communication in mass transit railways ...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaky_feeder

Quote from: ozbob on July 16, 2023, 23:13:54 PM

Quote from: kram0 on July 16, 2023, 18:23:40 PMThere was a locomotive hit an excavator at Fairfield station last night. Although I'm not sure it has made the news yet.

I am more interested if it makes it to the ATSB 

https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2023/report/ro-2023-007

Collision between freight train Y375 and a track mounted excavator, near Fairfield Station, Queensland, on 15 July 2023

Summary

The ATSB is investigating a collision between an Aurizon freight train and an excavator on the dual gauge line near Fairfield Station, Queensland, on 15 July 2023.

In order to undertake track maintenance work on the Beenleigh line, the line had been closed to suburban passenger trains for the weekend, and closed to freight trains on the dual gauge line between 0600 and 1800. The track closure for freight operations was handed back to the network control officer at about 1945, and at about 2000, train Y375 collided with an unmanned excavator. There were no injuries, but there was significant damage to the excavator and minor damage to the locomotive.

The evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve retrieving and reviewing recorded data, obtaining and analysing additional track protection records, interviewing witnesses, and the collection of other relevant evidence.

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.

ABC News --> Cross River Rail's Accessibility Reference Group test out mock-up station to ensure safe transport for all

QuoteDavid Saxberg is blind and relies on public transport to get around, but navigating big gaps between trains and platforms at Queensland train stations can be challenging.

It is among the many obstacles travellers with disabilities face when catching trains in Queensland.

About 40 per cent of train stations in the south east cannot be accessed with ramps or lifts, according to Queensland Rail.

Determined to make a difference for people like him, Mr Saxberg joined the Cross River Rail's Accessibility Reference Group. ...

The Guardian --> 'A bit disturbing': investigations launched after freight train collides with excavator in Brisbane

QuoteRail regulators are investigating whether laws were breached during a "serious" train crash in Brisbane, after a freight train ploughed into an excavator at Fairfield station on the weekend.

The rail line was completely closed for 12 hours to accommodate works on Cross River Rail on Saturday.

It was reopened to freight at 7.45pm. But 15 minutes later, Aurizon train Y375 ran into an unmanned excavator that was beside the track.

A spokesperson for Aurizon confirmed the train driver was not injured, but was "badly shaken" in the accident. Both vehicles were damaged, with the excavator damaged seriously. ...

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1682116033744871425

https://twitter.com/couriermail/status/1683696373085114369

https://twitter.com/brisbanetimes/status/1683700326766116864

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98299

Statement from Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey
25th July 2023

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Earlier this afternoon, I was made aware of a very serious workplace accident at a Cross River Rail work site.

This is a traumatic event for the worker, his family and fellow workers on site and my thoughts are with them.

It is also understandably distressing for workers across the project and I understand counselling services have been made available to all workers.

I have been advised the Boggo Road worksite has been shut down and all work has been suspended at the location.

Queensland Police and the Office of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are undertaking an active investigation into the incident.

This is a terrible accident.  Every worker deserves to go home safely, every day.

https://twitter.com/CFMEUQNT/status/1648230455714680833

Couriermail --> Worker in critical condition after 12m fall at Cross River Rail site $

QuoteThe state government's showpiece $6.3bn Cross River Rail project is in limbo after a horror workplace accident left a construction worker fighting for life and the peak building union furious.

The man, 54, plunged up to 12m from scaffolding at the Boggo Rd station construction site about 1.15pm on Tuesday as horrified workmates watched on. ...

Couriermail --> CFMEU rally: Workers down tools after horror Cross River Rail fall $

QuoteCFMEU members yelling 'f**k them' have flagged a possible stop work during a march in Brisbane's CBD in response to a worker being injured on the high-profile Cross River Rail project.

... Chanting "workers lives are not for profit," and "Cross River fail" union members marched through the city streets, claiming safety concerns at Cross River Rail sites had been raised prior to this incident but ignored. ...

Brisbanetimes --> Workers down tools after Cross River Rail fall leaves colleague critically injured

Quote... On morning radio on Wednesday, Bailey conceded safety had been raised during construction.

"There have been times when issues have been raised and needed to be examined and dealt with, and my understanding is they were, but there may be other views," he told ABC Brisbane.

"We are very clear that construction is a dangerous job and I think what happened yesterday is a reminder to everyone safety is really critical."

Queensland Workplace Health and Safety confirmed an investigation was under way.

The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, when asked how many notifiable accidents had occurred in 2022 and 2023, said the project's workplace record was better than the industry average. ...

https://twitter.com/couriermail/status/1684053748610629637

Couriermail --> CFMEU rally: Workers down tools after horror Cross River Rail fall $

QuoteCross River Rail construction workers will not return to work until Monday after a horrific fall at one of the project's sites, with a union boss blasting a state government minister for 'cheap PR stunts' in the face of serious safety concerns. ...

... Mr Ravbar said transport minister Mark Bailey had "run out of excuses" and accused him of ignorance "of major safety issues".

"Despite Mr Bailey's protestations to the contrary, officials from the CFMEU and other construction unions have directly raised serious safety and other issues with him and his senior staff on numerous occasions," he said.

"The time for bullsh%t excuses and cheap PR stunts is long past. It is up to Mr Bailey to fix this mess, or for Premier Palaszczuk to appoint a Minister who will." ... "

He is gone!!! He has a major union offside.  The only challenge is I have not met a Labor representative who is even close to understanding transport planning research The whole camp is well and truly stuck in "balancing modes of transport equally" paradigm which we know is is PR-speak for "BAU that significantly prioritises road building".

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1684068616067751936

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1684087826659397632

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1684115653475827717

Trying on the ol "I am shocked!! This is not my fault and I am going to champion the fix" trick!!

Brisbanetimes --> Audit raised safety issues with Cross River Rail scaffolding, says union

QuoteAn audit of Cross River Rail worksites, undertaken weeks before a worker plunged up to 12 metres onto concrete on Tuesday, identified safety issues with scaffolding on the project, according to a workers' union active on the site.

But Transport Minister Mark Bailey said a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland site visit had ticked off on worksite practices at the Brisbane megaproject just weeks ago. ...

Quote from: Jonno on July 26, 2023, 18:51:46 PMTrying on the ol "I am shocked!! This is not my fault and I am going to champion the fix" trick!!

I guess we can expect a " good news " story to try deflect the deep doo doo they are all in, viz.

1. CRR WHS issues.

2. Freight train collision.

3. Duplicitious media concerning QTMP.

4. bullsh%t about the 3 car train issues.

This is not looking good at all.  I think it's terminal unless they really lift their game.

Couriermail --> Workers turned away as CFMEU blocks Cross River Rail site $

QuoteA CFMEU blockade is preventing access to a Cross River Rail site where a scaffolder was critically injured after falling 12m this week.

Tensions are threatening to boil over outside the Boggo Road site with about 40 CFMEU members confronting workers as they attempt to enter. ...

QuoteI guess we can expect a " good news " story to try deflect the deep doo doo they are all in, viz.

1. CRR WHS issues.

2. Freight train collision.

3. Duplicitious media concerning QTMP.

4. bullsh%t about the 3 car train issues.

This is not looking good at all.  I think it's terminal unless they really lift their game.

I call curtains!!

Any possibility of Stirling Hinchliffe being returned?

After being burned by QR I suppose he would be a lot wiser in experience and therefore in a good position to hold the transport portfolio agencies to account and monitor them.