RAIL - Back On Track Forum

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/1121-2023.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1121
Asked on 14 September 2023

MR A POWELL ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS AND MINISTER FOR DIGITIAL SERVICES (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to advice provided by the Deputy Premier to a recent Moreton Bay Leaders' Forum
that the Beams Road Open Level Crossing removal project cost had increased to $300m—

Will the Minister confirm this figure?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Glass House for the question.

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering its eighth record transport and roads infrastructure
program in a row, as detailed in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program
2023–24 to 2026–27, which outlines $32.1 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,
$4.565 billion is committed across the Department of Transport and Main Roads' Metropolitan
Region, estimated to support an average of 3,500 direct jobs over the life of the program.

I have not been advised that the project cost estimate for the Beams Road Level Crossing
removal has increased to $300 million.

Brisbanetimes --> Qld Rail had one worker to check 1138 level crossings. Then someone died $

QuoteQueensland Rail's failure to conduct safety inspections on level crossings "very likely" contributed to the death of a woman whose car was hit by a train in 2021, an investigation has found.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's report into the fatality at the Wynnum West crossing – two years after a pedestrian died when hit by a train at the same site – found the infrastructure did not meet Queensland Rail's own safety standards. ...

^

ATSB: Level crossing collision between passenger train and road vehicle, Wynnum West, Queensland on 26 February 2021

https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2021/rair/ro-2021-005

https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project

Level Crossings removed since 2015:

Melbourne 72 (seventy two) 
[110 to be removed by 2030]

Brisbane 0 (zero)

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1722266294278639865?s=20

Couriermail --> ATSB safety report says killer Lindum rail crossing not checked for 19 years $

QuoteA Brisbane rail level crossing which has claimed at least two lives was not checked for 19 years to ensure it met safety standards, a damning report into a 2021 fatality has found.

The report also found only 52 of Queensland's 1138 public level crossings had been checked in the five years before the accident and only one person was employed for the huge task. ...

One wonders what has been going on?

DTMR: Level crossing safety

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/safety/rail-safety/level-crossing-safety

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/1168-2023.pdf

Question on Notice

No. 1168
Asked on 10 October 2023

MR J KRAUSE ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS AND MINISTER
FOR DIGITIAL SERVICES (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister provide details of any level crossing incidents on Queensland Rail's network from
1 May 2021 to date (in table format with the following column headings - date, location
(e.g. intersecting street name), incident type (e.g. boom strike, collision etc.), collision with
(e.g. road vehicle, person), incident level, number of fatalities, number of serious injuries, number
of minor injuries))?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Scenic Rim for the question.

I refer the Member to my response to Question on Notice 11, Transport and Resources
Committee – Report No. 38, 57th Parliament 2023–24 Budget Estimates, tabled on 7 August
2023, which includes level crossing incidents since 1 May 2021 until 30 June 2023, including
collisions, near misses and boom strikes.

The following tables A, B and C detail the level crossing incidents since 1 July 2023, including
collisions, near misses and boom strikes.

Tables >>> https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/1168-2023.pdf

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1735072082541830182?s=20

Brisbanetimes --> Breaking the bottleneck on Beams: Major Brisbane rail overpass finally in sight $

QuoteIt has been one of Brisbane's traffic bottlenecks, affecting up to 19,000 motorists every day, but work will begin this month to remove the level crossing on Beams Road between Aspley and Carseldine.

Not since 2014, on Telegraph Road at Bracken Ridge and Robinson Road at Geebung, has a level crossing been removed in Queensland. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1745812829326942256?s=20

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99485

Next stage of Beams Road Level Crossing removal now underway

13th January 2024

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

Early works are now underway on the next stage of the Beams Road Level Crossing Removal project, following the recent awarding of the main construction contract to Bielby Hull Joint Venture in late 2023.

Beams Road is an important corridor for communities in northern Brisbane and experiences significant congestion at the rail level crossing in Carseldine, particularly during peak traffic.

The Australian Government has committed $56.24 million towards the project, with the Queensland Government contributing $138.76 million and a commitment of $40 million from Brisbane City Council.

Construction of the four-lane Beams Road overpass will begin later this month with improvements to pedestrian and active transport connections, and will improve safety by separating road and rail traffic.

As part of the project, upgrading is now complete on Carseldine's original Park 'n' Ride, including changing the entry to Balcara Avenue and improving commuter facilities.

Early works for this next stage include clearing the area, installing new boundary fences and relocating underground services, which will make way for the start of heavy construction.

The project is estimated to support an average of 185 direct jobs.

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

"The Australian Government is pleased to see the project progressing, making it safer for rail and road commuters with the two modes of transport separated from each other at that traffic congested area in Brisbane's north."

"We're proud to be working with our state and local government counterparts to deliver a custom designed solution to cater for existing and growing transport needs in northern Brisbane's fast-growing area."

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

"There has been significant community interest in the Beams Road rail level crossing removal project as a solution to ease traffic congestion and provide a smoother, safer and separated journey for road and rail commuters through Carseldine.

"The changes will also provide safer access to and from the Carseldine station and improve congestion in the area as well as provide better pedestrian and pushbike path access."

"I've been fighting for this project as the local member since 2017, so it's great to see the next stage- the overpass itself- getting underway."

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:

"As more people choose to call the suburbs in Brisbane's north home, the amount of road and rail traffic will increase across the city. That's why we're getting on with delivering the crucial infrastructure upgrades that Brisbane needs.

"Collaboration is the key to keeping up with this demand, and the Australian Government is proud to partner with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council to minimise delays for motorists by removing this notoriously congested level crossing." 

Quotes attributable to Member for Sandgate, Stirling Hinchliffe:

"This community knows just how frustrating the congestion at this crossing can be during peak hours, it's fantastic to take another big step forward in fixing the issue.

"With tender awarded and early works getting underway, we will soon start to see important progress at the Beams Road level crossing.

"Not only will we see a brand-new overpass dropped in here, but the existing car park, kiss'n'ride, bus and bike facilities at Carseldine station will also be upgraded."

Quotes attributable to Brisbane City Council Infrastructure Chair Andrew Wines:

"I'm proud our Council is contributing $40 million towards the removal of the Beams Road level crossing which will be celebrated by northside motorists.

"While work on this much-anticipated project will commence soon, our Council already has shovels in the ground on the separate Beams Road upgrade between Lacey Road to Balacara Avenue which will reduce travel times and improve safety.

"Our investment in these two significant and complimentary projects demonstrates our commitment to tackling congestion and getting northside motorists home sooner and safer."

Facebook ...

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1745969856934216124?s=20

Has the bike lane been changed from on-road to seperated? The Times article is the first I'm hearing of this. The two sections of the Cabbage Tree Creek Bikeway are seperated by the railway, so any improvement here would help connect Aspley, Chermside, and Carseldine by active transport.

Nothing in the pictures or the video looks like they are separated.

Thus does not read like it either

"Construction of the four-lane Beams Road overpass will begin later this month with improvements to pedestrian and active transport connections, and will improve safety by separating road and rail traffic."

Quote from: Beams Road Motorway on January 13, 2024, 15:16:49 PMHas the bike lane been changed from on-road to seperated? The Times article is the first I'm hearing of this. The two sections of the Cabbage Tree Creek Bikeway are seperated by the railway, so any improvement here would help connect Aspley, Chermside, and Carseldine by active transport.

I was under the impression that it's segregated over the bridge with an underpass on the Carseldine side (southern side) to access the rail station without the need to cross at the intersection.

It's also seen in the illustrations as such.

In the Brisbane Times article, "The overpass would carry traffic over the North Coast rail line, and include walking paths, separated cycleways and cycle lock-ups."

As far as I am aware, it's all shared path for this overpass. The cycle lockers are already there, as is the final portion of Stirling Hinchliffe's quote in the government statement (kiss'n'ride, both car parks, and bus facilities).

A shared segregated path is ok as long as it's wide enough. Sometimes it's annoying as pedestrians don't stay left and this causes conflict with cyclists.

Love an American based drawing with the right hand side doors on the buses.

Quote from: verbatim9 on January 13, 2024, 16:43:39 PMA shared segregated path is ok as long as it's wide enough. Sometimes it's annoying as pedestrians don't stay left and this causes conflict with cyclists.

in the 21st Century it's not good enough!!!

Quote from: HappyTrainGuy on January 13, 2024, 18:48:40 PMLove an American based drawing with the right hand side doors on the buses.

Many 3D designers make use of off-the-shelf assets to populate their renders - vehicles, trees and people especially, and most of, if not all of these assets packs are designed for the American market.

Personally, I liked the blue trains without a rear facing cab.   

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane on track for change with 'strategic removal' of level crossings $

QuoteQueensland's new transport minister, Bart Mellish, has promised a strategic "three levels of government" approach to replacing south-east Queensland's railway level crossings with overpasses.

Mellish made the comments at Carseldine, where work will begin this month on the long-awaited $235 million overpass on Beams Road to replace the level crossing. ...

^^At least they're starting to consider it now.

        

https://x.com/jrurbanenetwork/status/1751213208021635127?

Couriermail --> Brisbane train delays after car hits train, suspending services between Coopers Plains and Rocklea $

QuoteTrains are suspended between Coopers Plains and Rocklea after a motorist collided with a train at a level crossing in Brisbane.

The crash occurred at a level crossing at Salisbury about 7:30am.

It is understood the person managed to escape the vehicle unharmed but that emergency services remained on scene about 8:30am, more than an hour after the incident.

Translink posted an update that: "Beenleigh and Gold Coast line trains are suspended between Coopers Plains and Rocklea stations due to an incident requiring emergency services". ...

If this is Beaudesert Road, I cannot understand why the hell it is still open.  There is an overpass already there!

CLOSE IT!

Quote from: SurfRail on January 29, 2024, 10:55:24 AMIf this is Beaudesert Road, I cannot understand why the hell it is still open.  There is an overpass already there!

CLOSE IT!

7 News  https://7news.com.au/news/ute-crashes-into-train-at-salisbury-in-brisbane-causing-commuter-delays-c-13390348

" 7NEWS helicopter footage showed damage to the front of the ute after the crash on Beaudesert Rd in Salisbury about 7.30am on Monday. "

Sheer stupidity to still have this crossing open!!

One for the 'SEQ Rail Clearways' program concept.

Quote from: #Metro on January 29, 2024, 16:02:21 PMOne for the 'SEQ Rail Clearways' program concept.

or a $5000 fence contract.  Disconnect signals and fence the gap! 

Job done! 

Do Stanley St East while they are at it!!

https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/c-king/media-release/national-level-crossing-safety-strategy-released

National Level Crossing Safety Strategy released

The Australian Government has today released the National Level Crossing Safety Strategy 2023–2032.

The Strategy is more important than ever.  Level crossings remain the highest public safety risk on the rail network. Sadly, two rail workers lost their lives in December, 2023 following a fatal level crossing accident.

The strategy has been developed by the National Level Crossing Safety Committee, comprising representatives from federal, state and local governments, rail industry associations and regulators.

It represents an ongoing commitment to reducing fatalities and injuries at the more than 20,000 level crossings intersecting with roads and pathways across the nation.

The strategy sets out a clear vision for working towards zero harm on the level crossing network, including:

Improving public education and enforcement
Leveraging emerging technology and innovation
Identifying early, low-cost and effective safety improvements
Developing improved data and knowledge
Increasing coordination and knowledge sharing by those responsible for safety.

To identify any further action that could be taken by governments, regulators, and industry, a rail level crossing safety roundtable, will be held in Brisbane on 6 March.

Rail workers including train drivers will be represented through their unions.

The Australian Government is already providing $180 million for the Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program, including $160 million over 4 years from 2023-24 to 2026-27 to support lower-cost, high-priority railway crossing upgrades.

These upgrades include installing flashing lights, audible warning devices, boom barriers, enhanced signage, and pedestrian mazes upgrade to increase the visibility of crossings on both sides of the roadway in response to approaching trains.

To read the strategy and for more information, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/safety/rail-safety/national-level-crossing-safety-strategy

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

"Every year, Australians are being killed or injured on our level crossing network, resulting in untold mental, physical and emotional trauma for all involved, as well as millions of dollars in damages.

"The Australian Government is committed to working towards zero harm at our rail crossings.

"The community and stakeholders have long advocated for improved investment, better safety measures, education, enforcement, and harnessing technology – and this strategy sets out a clear path to achieving those aims.

"I would like to thank the National Level Crossing Safety Committee for their collaborative, national approach, acknowledging that delivering a safer network for Australians is a shared responsibility.

"I am confident the vision set out in this 10-year strategy and the practical actions it will facilitate will help save lives across the next decade, and into the future."

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

"Today marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to safety on our roads with this strategy enhancing safety at level crossings across the nation.

"Queensland's Director-General of Transport and Main Roads, Sally Stannard, will chair the National Level Crossing Safety Committee and I am pleased to present the three-year National Level Crossing Work Plan.

"The Work Plan details initiatives, actions, and timeframes which demonstrate what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to prioritise initiatives that save lives.

"The Queensland Government is committed to the shared responsibilities of road and rail safety, and through collaborative efforts with the Federal Government, Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads and the National Level Crossing Safety Committee are setting new standards and driving real change for level crossing safety.

"We are all working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all road users at level crossings to move towards achieving the overarching goal of Vision Zero-Zero Harm at Australia's level crossings."

National Level Crossing Safety Strategy

> https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/safety/rail-safety/national-level-crossing-safety-strategy

Download the National Level Crossing Safety Strategy

> https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/_/media/safety/railsafety/national-level-crossing-strategy/national-level-crossing-safety-strategy-2023-2032.pdf PDF 4.3MB

Lead up to council elections has Lindum level crossing local discussion at its usual fever pitch with local, state and federal government members all chipping away along predictable political lines.

LNP are making a big deal of the upgrade going ahead now but the best they seem to come up with that for is dusting off the concept design originally released in March 2022, getting BCC designers to change a few markings on it and then releasing it again as the excitedly named 'preliminary design plan' for community consultation!

You can play spot the difference between the two on this page:

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/roads-infrastructure-and-bikeways/road-and-intersection-projects/lindum-rail-crossing-upgrade

Unfortunately everyone is pointing out the obvious flaws..
1. Only in SEQ could we spend $85 million to upgrade a dangerous level crossing by...building a new at-grade level crossing!
2. Designers seem to have given up on finding a real solution by making one of the main traffic movements now do a u turn some way along and then across the busy main road. Fair enough if it was an immediate safety improvement, but not as part of the reconstruction of the whole intersection and crossing.
3. Active travel is unsafely deprioritised by stopping the crossing half way along Sibley road and expecting people to go along to a refuge and then double back. Of course in reality they won't and a new safety risk will be introduced.
4. All other 'improvements' achieved by installing traffic lights seem possible without building a new crossing.

This seems both a half baked solution (the real solution is an overpass in line with gazetted plans for the road corridor to the port) and also an over cooked solution (when the existing intersection and crossing could be signalised like Coorparoo for the same marginal benefits).

^ yes, it is a very disappointing outcome to say the least.

Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Lindum station accessibility upgrade

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/inthecommunity/projects/lindum-station-upgrade

Quote from: ozbob on February 10, 2024, 14:57:23 PMLindum station accessibility upgrade

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/inthecommunity/projects/lindum-station-upgrade

The station upgrade doesn't touch the level crossing.

Level crossing upgrade page is on BCC website

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/roads-infrastructure-and-bikeways/road-and-intersection-projects/lindum-rail-crossing-upgrade

^ yes realise that thanks.  Just highlighting the folly of the two separate projects.

Other jurisdictions this would be a no-brainer of course to do it properly, not another half-baked outcome.

Grade separation and station upgrade as one project.