RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Quote from: ozbob on September 13, 2023, 01:26:55 AM

Quote from: kram0 on September 12, 2023, 18:05:27 PMWith Eagle Junction to become a more prominent interchange station post CRR, especially for Beenleigh/GC passengers changing for the airport, I feel this needs an upgrade and modernisation long before the Olympics.

I have raised the issue of a 'northern interchange' with Translink and it is under review.

Nice one Bob. It's definitely needed.

Quote from: Gazza on September 11, 2023, 13:52:10 PM11 stations are completely inaccessible.
-Thomas St
-Ebbw Vale
-Gaythorne
-Wynnum
-Bindha
-Traveston
-Yandina
-Wilston
-Riverview
-Gailes

Given that there's only 10 stations in this list you might have just forgotten to type it out, but Taringa is entirely inaccessible. Either up or down stairs for all exits. I do believe it has an accessible toilet, but that's also behind stairs so good luck getting a wheelchair into it!

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1703970032789970961?

Rail Express --> Laing O'Rourke to upgrade Queensland Rail stations

QuoteLaing O'Rourke has been awarded four new projects as part of the Queensland Rail Station Accessibility Upgrade Program, delivering safe, modern, and accessible public transport infrastructure for Queenslanders.

The announcement includes the delivery of upgrades to Morningside, Lindum, Banyo and Buranda Stations where early works are already underway.

The projects will improve accessibility and make it safer for customers to travel, especially those in wheelchairs or using mobility devices, people with hearing or vision impairment, seniors, people with injuries and those travelling with prams and luggage. ...

LinkedIn

https://x.com/QueenslandRail/status/1712645190073384969?s=20

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98984

Bundamba station upgrade 'going for gold' as upgrade jumps ahead

23rd October 2023

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

. First sod turn on $59 million station accessibility upgrade at Bundamba.
. Bundamba station works are taking shape with innovative temporary overpass installed and early works underway.
. Customers are reminded that alternative transport plans are underway to keep them moving during the station's temporary closure.

Works are 'going for gold' at Bundamba station with a landmark $59 million accessibility upgrade officially on track and well underway.

A special sod turning by Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum marked the official start of the major upgrade to the station which has served the community since 1878.

Special guest, three-time Paralympian long jumper, gold medalist and world record holder, Vanessa Low OAM, was given a behind the scenes tour of the upgrade and was impressed by the Palaszczuk Government's investment in accessible rail infrastructure in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Hutchinson Builders worksite is a hive of activity with a first of its kind temporary rail overpass erected over train tracks which will maintain cross-corridor access for the community during the construction of the upgraded station.

Demolition of platform awnings and shelters has commenced, and temporary barriers are also visible, giving a first glimpse of the station's major transformation to the public.

The major upgrade will deliver an accessibility improved train station for customers by late 2024, making catching a train easier for everybody, but especially those using wheelchairs, pushing prams or carrying heavy luggage.

When completed, all customers at Bundamba will be able to use a lift to the station overpass to move between the platforms, which will be fully raised to reduce the gap, making boarding a train safer and easier for all customers.

Hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, new way finding signage, information screens and better security through CCTV and lighting upgrades is included and customer facilities like accessible toilets, disability-compliant ticket window, improved seating and extended platform shelters are also part of the upgrade.

To deliver the upgrade as safely and quickly as possible, customers are reminded Bundamba station will temporarily close to customers in January with full details of a replacement bus timetable being finalised.

Quotes attributable to the Minister Mark Bailey:

"Bundamba station is undergoing its biggest transformation since it was built almost 150 years ago," Minister Bailey said.

"Accessibility in public transport has been a major focus of the Palaszczuk Government and with this upgrade it won't matter if you use a wheelchair or have suffered an injury, you will be able to catch the train to and from Bundamba station with ease.

"We welcome Paralympian long jumper Vanessa Low on site. Vanessa knows first-hand the challenges faced when you have different accessibility needs and we're proud of the work underway here which will have a major impact on so many people in our community."

Quotes attributable to Bundamba MP Lance McCallum:

"This major upgrade to our local station is a huge boost to our community and with the 'sod turned' we can officially mark the first step in a very important journey for better accessibility and inclusivity for local train commuters," Mr McCallum said.

"I'm proud to be able to deliver this job creating project which means better public transport services for our local community.

"Vanessa's experience as a gold medal winning Paralympian and world record holder is one to admire, and we're thrilled to have her here to celebrate this incredible milestone as we 'go for gold' to make Bundamba station accessible."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton:

"We're only a few months into this incredible upgrade and already we've seen a temporary footbridge installed so the community can continue to move across the rail corridor, between Upper and Lower Mining Street," Ms Stapleton said.

"This temporary footbridge keeps the community connected as we are required to close the subway.

"Ensuring that the community impacts are minimized during the works, where is it safe to do so, is paramount and we're happy to have the opportunity to deliver this solution.

"In addition, the teams have conducted piling works, platform awning and shelter demolition, signaling and vegetation works so the station has been a real hive of activity.

"When complete, customers can look forward to an incredible upgraded station from the accessible drop off points, to lifts to take them up and down to platforms which are close to the trains – making the whole experience of catching a train easier."

Quotes attributable to Paralympian Vanessa Low OAM:

"Since my accident as a teen I have come of age watching our world become a more accessible place – but there is so much more to be done, which is why I'm so thrilled to see this incredible project up close," Ms Low said.

"This upgrade won't only serve those in wheelchairs or with walking aides, but it will help the elderly, parents with young children, which includes myself, or customers travelling with luggage or a bike – I can't wait to see the finished product.

"Brisbane is soon to be on the world stage during the Olympic and Paralympic Games and I congratulate the Queensland Government for its commitment to an inclusive and accessible transport system."

BACKGROUND:

When Vanessa Low OAM lost both of her legs in a tragic train accident in Germany at 15 years old, she was told she would never be able to walk again. She has overcome immense challenges to become a Paralympic gold medalist and world record holder in long jump and is working towards competing in Paris in 2024.
 

Vanessa Low OAM is a TrackSAFE ambassador and speaks passionately about rail safety and accessibility.
 

Bundamba's temporary bridge is made using innovative Fibreglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) by local Queensland manufacturer Composite Engineering.
 

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

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

Morningside station upgrade alternative transport options information posted by local state MP Di Farmer.

Quotehttps://www.facebook.com/share/r/ozCzg8Mc4W38GxYZ/?mibextid=qi2Omg

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kvdzghi8haq8g8ca267j3/SAUP_Morningside_approved-flyer_15-Nov.pdf?rlkey=kgmlqlxcotxqnuvnbdxwpsz4q&fbclid=IwAR2uWlKwF0PnlPf9vVD-STBp_hyemlO-Sj7z2Wki1E1M3zQAXJIudFqIh50&dl=0

Various comments on this and other local community group posts from unhappy city commuters with the shuttle bus service essentially backtracking to Cannon Hill, rather than going towards the city to Norman Park station (and essentially the same in PM, taking them beyond where they need to go). Given the length of closure I think it's a fair concern and that some minor works at Norman Park station to provide a bus turnaround would be reasonable.

Doesn't even need turn around to be built. Just use remove cars, use car park as turn around and redevelop when finished

Quote from: Jonno on November 21, 2023, 22:11:53 PMDoesn't even need turn around to be built. Just use remove cars, use car park as turn around and redevelop when finished

Technically yes but I don't think removing more commuter parking (Morningside will only have 'limited') will be very popular with the community.

EMU ! 

https://x.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1727110511865839643?s=20

Media release:

7th December 2023

Queensland Rail's biggest ever station upgrade program 'shovel ready' with a commitment to keeping customers moving

> https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99313

QuoteBindha and Nudgee stations are the nearest stations to Banyo and to assist customers Queensland Rail is reinstating the footpath from Royal Parade to Bindha station.

Now watch as Bindha gets its best statistics for the past decade.

https://x.com/TransitEnjoyer/status/1733031453414531576?s=20

The new look at Roma Street has been revealed. Unfortunately, no new additional escalators to improve transfers and access to and from existing platforms.

At what point was that ever going to happen?  The underpass is at the southern third of the platforms and there's a lift shaft in the way.

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99441

Government Statement

Top of the class for customers who plan their 2024 travel in advance

6th January 2024

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Bart Mellish

. Buranda and Bundamba stations will temporarily close on 8 January, while Burpengary, Banyo, Lindum and Morningside stations will close on 22 January for accessibility upgrades.
 
. Customers are reminded to plan their travel in advance with buses in place to keep them moving for back to school, work and play in 2024.

. The major building program will deliver life-changing accessibility upgrades to the stations with closures necessary for safety and efficiency.

Customers who use Buranda and Bundamba train stations are reminded to plan their travel in advance with the stations to temporary close on Monday 8 January as Queensland Rail's biggest ever accessibility upgrade program goes full steam ahead.

Burpengary, Banyo, Lindum and Morningside stations will also close on Monday 22 January for major construction, which will deliver life-changing accessibility upgrades for the community.

Buses will keep customers moving to nearby stations, while a path has been constructed to improve access to Bindha station for Banyo customers and new bus stops are in place to cater for back-to-school students when the first term of the school year commences.

When completed, the stations will have lifts, overpasses and fully raised platforms to reduce the gap, making boarding the train safer and easier for all customers, so rolling a pram, wheelchair or luggage on to the carriage will be simple and bringing them in line with what is expected of public transport infrastructure in the modern world.

The temporary closures mean the major construction can go ahead safely and efficiently and will result in the stations reopening sooner following their transformation.

Progress is well underway at the sites with lift shafts installed at Burpengary and the old underpass at Bundamba filled in and ready for the next stage of works. 

The Wynnum Road ramp at Morningside is due to come down by the end of the month and preparatory works at Lindum's northern carpark will soon get underway.

At Buranda, the old wooden overpass will be demolished next week and at Banyo demolition works near the existing footbridge will begin in coming weeks. 

The stations are expected to reopen to the public in the second half of this year, with Buranda to open in 2025.

Alternative bus services will operate during the closures, Customers are urged to allow some extra travel time and to check their travel routes by downloading the MyTranslink app, visiting translink.com.au or calling 13 12 30.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

"These upgrades will make a real difference to customers and ensure everyone catching the train can travel with ease, but that means there will be impacts to travel and transport services during the vital construction phase.

"By closing the stations temporarily we're able to get the job done safely and efficiently, meaning we'll be reopening the upgraded stations sooner, complete with lifts, raised platforms, overpasses and other accessibility features.

"Alternative transport is in place for customers, so we're urging everyone to jump online and use the Translink Journey Planner to plot out their commute to work, school and play."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton:

"We are committed to keeping our customers moving while we complete our biggest upgrade program ever, bringing these six stations more into the modern era. 

"Our alternative transport plan includes dedicated bus services to nearby stations and school stops for students returning to classes.

"Plan your travel in advance so you're prepared and can get back to work and school in 2024 with as little disruption as possible.

"We appreciate there will be some inconvenience, but closing the stations is the safest and most efficient way to build, ensuring customers will soon be returning to excellent, accessible trains stations once reopened.

"We thank our customers for their patience as we continue delivering this transformation so everyone can catch the train with ease."

MORE INFORMATION ON THE STATION ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADE PROGRAM

The SAUP projects that are being delivered at Lindum, Morningside, Banyo, Buranda, Bundamba and Burpengary stations are the largest number of stations Queensland Rail has delivered simultaneously.

All new station accessibility upgrades will feature new lift-accessible footbridges, fully raised full-length platforms and extended platform shelters.

Other improvements include upgraded customer facilities like accessible toilets, disability-compliant ticket windows and improved seating.
 
We're also installing hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, new wayfinding signage, information screens and better security through CCTV and lighting upgrades.
 
Active transport enclosures are being provided to enable customers to ride to and safely store their bicycles or scooters at the Tranche 4 stations.

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

As well as the Station Accessibility Upgrade Program, accessibility upgrades are included as part of the Cross River Rail rebuilds of Dutton Park, Yeronga, Moorooka, Salisbury, Fairfield, Yeerongpilly, Rocklea and Exhibition stations. In addition, the new stations being delivered as part of Cross River Rail will also meet passenger accessibility requirements. These stations include Boggo Road, Albert Street, Woolloongabba, Pimpama, Hope Island, Merrimac and Underground Roma Street.

ENDS

Facebook ...

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

As well as the Station Accessibility Upgrade Program, accessibility upgrades are included as part of the Cross River Rail rebuilds of Dutton Park, Yeronga, Moorooka, Salisbury, Fairfield, Yeerongpilly, Rocklea and Exhibition stations. In addition, the new stations being delivered as part of Cross River Rail will also meet passenger accessibility requirements. These stations include Boggo Road, Albert Street, Woolloongabba, Pimpama, Hope Island, Merrimac and Underground Roma Street." 

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99441

https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/770642328435958?comment_id=222054950949876

So less than 2 per year on average.

Pathetic effort hey?

Slow initially, at least it has accelerated now. 

I wonder how well coordinated the upgrades are?

For example, some stations might be near a level crossing or an approach to one, and might need to be demolished again to permit level crossing removal.

And when they say upgrade, does this mean straight, level and full height platforms, or a compromise from this ideal?

Quote from: #Metro on January 06, 2024, 13:37:03 PMI wonder how well coordinated the upgrades are?

For example, some stations might be near a level crossing or an approach to one, and might need to be demolished again to permit level crossing removal.

And when they say upgrade, does this mean straight, level and full height platforms, or a compromise from this ideal?

Yep, exactly what happened at Oaklands Park Station in SA. Was completely rebuilt for electrification then a few years later demolished again for the rail crossing removal 😂😃

By the way there is nothing special about these upgrades and the delivery thereof. It has been written into law years ago that public infrastructure was required to meet accessibility standards by a certain date. The Qld Government, TMR and QR are years away from meeting those targets. Furthermore, it would not have mattered who was in Government over the last 10 years as they still had a requirement to meet those accessibility standards.

In short this government is years behind, but kudos for the recent initiatives and the acceleration with closures. I think it's was still sneaky of them to include station accessibility rebuilds as part of CRR and now take credit for it. Tricky accounting!

Level crossings and stations are planned but not political interference. Plenty of infrastructure designed around something only to have another government change their tune to better suit voters. Eg Newman removing NWTC provisions from Petrie which also meant changing what QR wanted for future proofing the network. This cost is also going to be passed onto the Anzac road overpass project.

Is it the most frequent and best span of hours bus in Ipswich?

It's more frequent than their own routes in Strathpine/Warner/Bray Park/Lawnton

Quote from: joninbrisbane on January 10, 2024, 08:03:30 AMIs it the most frequent and best span of hours bus in Ipswich?

 

Probably the longest span, but would the 515 beat it for frequency?

Quote from: Gazza on January 10, 2024, 10:33:43 AMProbably the longest span, but would the 515 beat it for frequency?

Yes.

^ pity this is not being done in conjunction with a LX removal ...   

It's a real shame none of these stations are really being upgraded with platform and track straightening.  And apart from the CRR ones, they aren't being built with an additional platform so they can terminate trains easily.  For example, Banyo would be a far better terminating point than Northgate. 

The other shame is how slow the upgrade works seem to take place.  Almost snail like pace, even with large track shutdown periods. 

Quote from: tazzer9 on January 26, 2024, 14:38:49 PMIt's a real shame none of these stations are really being upgraded with platform and track straightening.  And apart from the CRR ones, they aren't being built with an additional platform so they can terminate trains easily.  For example, Banyo would be a far better terminating point than Northgate. 

The other shame is how slow the upgrade works seem to take place.  Almost snail like pace, even with large track shutdown periods. 

Hey mate just so you are aware there is no long term track closures they are still required to work between trains and also business as usual blocks for maintenance. There are some slight relocations of platforms. The other problem with the whole track straightening and platform relocations on most stations is also what the current infrastructure is at the time the work starts EG Bundamba has curve and turnouts located on the Ipswich end of the platform which for the project of the station works would not cover the changes to signalling OHLE realignment and then ungraded turnouts and this would add massive time and dollars to the station works as getting new turnouts signalling and overhead designs for this is just not possible with the lead times needed

Morningside is being straightened and current curve platforms removed.

Quote from: Jonno on January 26, 2024, 21:27:58 PMMorningside is being straightened and current curve platforms removed.

Some locations are a lot easier and less expensive to do.  As Brett1082 has indicated sometimes track arrangements, signalling, OLE can greatly complicate.  Guess it depends how much moolah is in the pie in the end.

The thing that disappoints me a lot is that in the longer term do LX removals (where appropriate) with the station upgrades would make more sense.  Lindum should be a full LX removal and station upgrade.  Half baked yet again, the Queensland way sadly ...

No date has been officially announced yet but Rocklea Station is currently on track to re-open at some point in June 🥳

Early works have also already commenced at Salisbury which is next in line with a good working blitz over the Easter closures.