RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Random question: do we know what the line speed is for the tunnel? The number I have in my head is 80 km/h but it could be made up!

Quote from: aldonius on June 27, 2024, 07:51:36 AMRandom question: do we know what the line speed is for the tunnel? The number I have in my head is 80 km/h but it could be made up!

^ My understanding is the design speed is 80km/h max with some sections 60km/h and 50km/h.

(see p. 85 https://cabinet.qld.gov.au/documents/2017/Aug/CRRBusCase/Attachments/BusinessCase.pdf )

Rocklea is open now, per CRR FB post

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane's first underground train to be tested before Christmas $

QuoteThe first Brisbane train to run in an underground tunnel will be tested "before Christmas" on the new Cross River Rail line 27 metres below Roma Street.

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority chief executive Graeme Newton revealed Queensland's new NGR trains would get practice runs on the underground tracks after detailed engineering and safety examinations.

"It will be in the second half of 2024; before Christmas, I'd expect," Newton said during an exclusive tour of the new underground stations as the final fit-outs take shape. ...

From observations, it looks like they will be commissioning the above ground track from Normanby to Bowen Hills via the new Ekka station soon.

Progress update for the Exhibition Station at Bowen Hills, 14 July 2024

^^Electrification looks complete and most of the platform signage is up as well. Although there seems a lot to do still on the platform flooring and the underpass, as well as the lifts and stairs.

Couriermail --> CFMEU workers protesting at access to Cross River Rail sites as protests threaten to explode $

QuoteMore than one 100 construction workers are striking at the access to one of Brisbane's major Cross River Rail sites, marking the latest instalment of tense CFMEU protests in the city.

About 150 tradies are outside the entry to the Roma St entrance of the Brisbane City Cross River Rail site after gathering around 6.30am.

Workers are also protesting at Albert St, Woolloongabba, Boggo Rd and the Exhibition Station sites, with many holding flags and banners. ...

^^ Given what has happened in Victoria, I would have thought that the CFMEU might have been better off laying low for a month or two...

Quote from: nathandavid88 on July 16, 2024, 17:35:48 PM^^ Given what has happened in Victoria, I would have thought that the CFMEU might have been better off laying low for a month or two...

Indeed,  QLD Politics > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=285632

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2024/777-2024.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 777
Asked on 12 June 2024

MR D ZANOW ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS AND MINISTER FOR
DIGITAL SERVICES (HON B MELLISH)

QUESTION:

With reference to the $348,000 contract awarded to More than Ideas Pty Ltd for professional
services for a review of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority organisation structure—
Will the Minister advise (a) the reason for the restructure, (b) why internal expertise cannot be
used for planning the restructure and (c) when the restructure is due to occur?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Ipswich West for the question.

(a) I am advised that the review was essential to understand the evolving needs of the Cross
River Rail Delivery Authority's (Delivery Authority) operating model as the project
transitioned from major construction to the integration, testing, assurance and
commissioning phases.

(b) I am further advised that as a result, the Delivery Authority sought additional external
expertise with the skills, experience, and knowledge required for this task. The specialised
resources needed for organisational reviews are not typically employed by the Delivery
Authority as it is primarily focused on business-as-usual activities.

(c) This adjustment to the Delivery Authority's operating model occurred in the last quarter of
2023.

Brisbanetimes --> Milestone Brisbane underground rail test cancelled amid union tensions $

QuoteThe milestone first test of a train travelling 27 metres under Brisbane as part of Queensland's biggest infrastructure project has been cancelled amid industrial action.

CPB, the major contractor on Brisbane's $6.3 billion Cross River Rail project, planned this weekend to test a train on the underground rail line.

The train was due to enter the northern portal, near the RNA Exhibition Grounds, and travel to the underground Roma Street station platform. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1816143795085611428

Couriermail --> Cross River Rail time frame blows out further, secret documents reveal $

QuoteNumerous milestones in the Queensland government's multibillion-dollar Cross River Rail project have been missed and pushed back by months, internal documents have revealed.

It comes as the state government and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority says the 10.2km underground rail line will be open for commuters some time in 2026, a departure from last year's assurance by the transport minister it would happen in the first quarter of 2026.  ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1817937013284421823

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/qld-politics/budget-estimates-energy-minister-to-be-grilled-on-callide-pumped-hydro-plans/live-coverage/b3e5cefee04b03100a1c84a4f342a530

QuoteEkka station shut in major blow for annual showgoers

Ongoing CFMEU protests at Cross River Rail sites have forced thousands of Queenslanders to bypass the Ekka train station to get to the annual show for the second year in a row.

A Cross River Rail Delivery Authority spokesman confirmed the new Exhibition Train Station cannot be opened temporarily for this year's Ekka.

"While this news will no doubt be disappointing to Ekka goers, the recommendation was made with safety front of mind," a spokesman said.

"Recent and ongoing interruptions to work schedules at the Exhibition site have seen 11 of 15 possible workdays lost between 16 and 30 July, and the remaining four partially impacted.

"This has meant that work was unable to be completed to ensure proper safety certification could be achieved prior to the event." ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1818310442697347214

Random question: I assume that when Cross River Rail opens, there will be no change in the NSW Sydney - Brisbane XPT train arrival times because the tunnel is from Dutton Park?

XPT services should be largely unaffected by CRR yeah. There might be minor adjustments I suppose, just because the rhythm of the Beenleigh and Gold Coast services will probably change a bit.

What are the changes from Salisbury to Dutton Parks affecting? https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/ Are these only station upgrades, and additional platforms as written in the article? Was there a track with no platforms on it for freight or Gold Coast trains? EDIT: Or just another platform like how Central station has 6 platforms with 4 tracks in the CBD tunnel.

Quote from: ozbob on July 31, 2024, 01:38:04 AMhttps://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/qld-politics/budget-estimates-energy-minister-to-be-grilled-on-callide-pumped-hydro-plans/live-coverage/b3e5cefee04b03100a1c84a4f342a530

QuoteEkka station shut in major blow for annual showgoers

Ongoing CFMEU protests at Cross River Rail sites have forced thousands of Queenslanders to bypass the Ekka train station to get to the annual show for the second year in a row.

A Cross River Rail Delivery Authority spokesman confirmed the new Exhibition Train Station cannot be opened temporarily for this year's Ekka.

"While this news will no doubt be disappointing to Ekka goers, the recommendation was made with safety front of mind," a spokesman said.

"Recent and ongoing interruptions to work schedules at the Exhibition site have seen 11 of 15 possible workdays lost between 16 and 30 July, and the remaining four partially impacted.

"This has meant that work was unable to be completed to ensure proper safety certification could be achieved prior to the event." ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1818310442697347214

When I took those pics a few weeks ago it looked like they had a lot to do then. Chuck in the two lots of union picketing and the recent fire there at the site office, it didn't look promising to be operational by the Ekka this year.

Despite the station not opening I was quite adamant that the tracks would be commissioned.

Couriermail --> 'Not that simple': Miles says don't blame union for Ekka inconvenience $

QuotePremier Steven Miles has hosed down criticism of the CFMEU for delaying the reopening of Brisbane's Ekka train station, saying it was "not that simple" to lay all the blame on the militant construction union.

The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority this week announced Exhibition station would not be temporarily reopened as planned for the iconic annual show after too many work days had been lost to strike action, and safety works couldn't be completed.

Asked on Wednesday if the CFMEU was to blame for the delay, Mr Miles told said, "It's not that simple.

"But I am disappointed that the Exhibition station can't be open in time for this year's Ekka as we always do.

"I understand that because of those delays, there were safety concerns around the time frame. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1818639178126836193

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1818861929110421658

Brisbanetimes: Here, we take you on a train journey in 2026, and also look beneath the streets of Brisbane to see how the city's first underground stations are taking shape.

> https://www.facebook.com/reel/858303552314927

Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge

A new shared pedestrian and cycle bridge which will link the new Boggo Road station and Park Road station over the rail corridor to the Princess Alexandra Hospital precinct and South-East Busway is being built by Cross River Rail.



R Dow 2 September 2024

https://x.com/brisbanetimes/status/1836301151320650024

Via email 14th October 2024

====

On Monday 21 October 2024, Queensland Rail and Translink in collaboration with UNITY Alliance will reopen Dutton Park station.

Thank you for your ongoing patience during the accessibility rebuild of Dutton Park station. The station will reopen on Monday 21 October, with construction works expected to continue until late-2025.

When the station reopens, access to station platforms 1 and 2 will be via stairs and lifts accessible from the Annerley Road and Noble Street station entries..

Due to design changes, construction of the kiss 'n' ride, accessible parking, secure bicycle storage and footpaths on Kent Street will continue into late-2025.

Opening day station features

From opening day many of the station's new features will be open for commuters including:

New accessible station entry points on Noble Street and Annerley Road including shade canopies, seating, drinking fountains and footpaths

Two new high-level platforms

Improved wayfinding and tactile indicators along the primary paths of travel and auditory information

An overpass providing connectivity between Noble Street and Annerley Road including one through-lift and a staircase to each platform
 
Station buildings including ticket office, staff facilities and an accessible public toilet
 
Bus stop connection at the Noble Street entry.
 
For customers requiring accessible parking, kiss 'n' ride or secure bicycle storage please continue to use neighbouring stations at Boggo Road/Park Road or Fairfield.

A few pics from Dutton Park Station which opened this morning: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fqnWUkdc3wk7uywt7

^ thanks 👍