RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Preliminary work has started at Oxley for the track upgrade!

Looking north-west from the present platform at Oxley to the general area where the new additional platform will be located and new third track.  A solitary marker peg can be noted.



Photograph R Dow 2 May 2008


A solitary marker peg can be noted!



Photograph R Dow 4 May 2008


One of two notices that have appeared on the northern fence at Oxley station advising of the removal of some trees prior to the commencement of major works.



Photograph R Dow 2 May 2008

Title:   Steam engine at Oxley Railway Station, 1876
Location:   Oxley, Brisbane, Queensland
Date:   January 1876
Description:   Steam engine at Oxley Railway Station in January 1876. The station buildings are all constructed from wood. Passengers and railway staff can be seen on the platform.

From Queensland Digital Library

Oxley is no stranger to a triple track!

Photograph from 1952, looking west from track next to the Oxley railway station.



From http://elibcat.library.brisbane.qld.gov.au/uhtbin/hyperion-image/BCC-B54-2239

The house upper right was the Station Masters residence.  See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=167.0

Trees along the northern fence line of down line now gone (removed yesterday 6 May 08) ..



Photograph R Dow 7 May 2008


As it was:



Photograph R Dow 2 May 2008

General view of Oxley railway station with the trees gone



Photograph R Dow 10 May 2008



Subway access ramp with apparent alignment for the new platform
The structure seen is actually the 'roof' of the ramp underneath down to the subway.



Photograph R Dow 11 May 2008

Major works about to start!  Signs that have appeared around Oxley railway station.



Photograph R Dow 20 May 2008





Photograph R Dow 20 May 2008





Photograph R Dow 20 May 2008

This morning I caught the 8.58am service from Oxley to Roma St.  On arrival at Oxley I noticed a display stand  of the new works Darra to Corinda being put up at the eastern end of the platform.  I had a look and asked if I had my dates mixed up (a display scheduled next week).  No, this was being set up for the Minister to come and perform an official beginning ("sod turning").  At which point the Trackstar alliance staff member's mobile phone rang and they were then informed that the opening had been put off till next week.

What a shame, by this time I was hoping to meet up with the Minister and watch the proceedings ... 

Still, the display was interesting, full size photographs and charts of the information in the brochure letter box dropped last week.

The Oxley Station footbridge is one of the last remaining features of a great past era.
The photographs below show the single span on the left, and the double track span on the right.
There used to be a third loop line at Oxley.

It is believed that this weekend some changes will be made to this bridge to allow it to function during the construction of the new down third line, as the present span (left) will need lengthening.  Eventually the bridge will be replaced.



Photograph R Dow 22 May 2008




Photograph R Dow 22 May 2008




Photograph R Dow 22 May 2008


Notice left on windscreen of parked cars today (22 May 2008), advising motorists in the commuter car park of the bridge and car park closure this coming weekend.

Buses running in lieu of trains from Corinda to Ipswich  from 8pm 23 May 2008 till last service Sunday.

Oxley and Darra will be busy over the weekend.

The third line has started.

View from the footbridge this afternoon, 23 May 2008.

Safety flag lines in place.  Site office and amenities were positioned in the commuter car park at Oxley today as well.



Photograph R Dow 23 May 2008

Line closed, ballast train parked between Oxley and Darra overnight.

Work is underway!

Heavy lift crane and hole digger in position



Photograph R Dow 24 May 2008


Heavy lift crane towers above the bridge
Just on sunrise!



Photograph R Dow 24 May 2008




Temporary protection has been put in place on subway for work for the third line
A red board on the down line can just be made out

Footpath and bridge access closed from Ellen Street



Photograph R Dow 24 May 2008



Subway protection, more work to still be done



Photograph R Dow 24 May 2008



BBL Rail bus service at Oxley



Photograph R Dow 24 May 2008




Footpath and bridge access closed from Ellen Street
Bridge is closed for pedestrian access.



Photograph R Dow 24 May 2008

Just went down and had look.  Seems that footings for a new bridge structure are being poured.  Looks very substantial.

The present footbridge is intact. 

The footings are just down from the present bridge.

Lots of activity



Photograph R Dow 24 May 2008

Had a look around Oxley early this morning.
Crane and hole digger and supporting equipment removed last evening.
Foot bridge intact.  Station presently closed, re-opens tomorrow morning the supports put in place will be easily seen then.

Further work done on the pedestrian subway protection including lights



Photograph R Dow 25 May 2008


View from the Cliveden Avenue road bridge towards Oxley
Safety fencing. Preliminary works for the third line, relocation of utilities and so forth.



Photograph R Dow 25 May 2008

Oxley station around 2.30pm Sunday afternoon.

Warning fencing in place heralding the third line works.

View from Oxley Road Bridge



Photograph R Dow 25 May 2008



Red warning boards in place down and up lines



Photograph R Dow 25 May 2008

First down PASS went through on time this morning at 5.06am.  Followed closely by two down coalies, and the 5.06am crossed up coalie at Oxley.  Seemed to be some minor delays up into Darra early.

The down and up suburban lines in service. I caught the 6.54am Shorncliffe service from Oxley, travelled by down sub and into platform 2 at  Indooroopilly which opened this morning.

Trains noted on the up main on the way in to the CBD.  Presumably the down main and up main still open.

Photograph of new supports constructed over the weekend next to the present pedestrian bridge
Bridge still intact.



Photograph R Dow 26 May 2008

Couple more photographs taken earlier today showing the structures






Photographs R Dow 26 May 2008

Front page article Satellite  28 May 2008

I hope a fourth track is built Mr Mickel!   

Well it's in the media now - fourth track to be done now as part of the current works. Confirmation should be shortly forthcoming from those responsible for delivering that fourth track as part of the current works even if it does come as a surprise to some

Happy to see a long overdue upgrade of the Oxley station however I do take an issue with the 70 extra car park spaces when the current works will decrease available parking around the station by around 20 spaces.

The Minister hasn't said when though Mozz!   

There is a long term plan for the fourth line, commonsense would dictate build it now with the works for the third line.  Would be a lot more cost effective and logical.

Called into Oxley station this morning to view the display for the Corinda to Darra project.

I was pleased to learn the 4th line is to be built now.  Three cheers!!! 

Some questions remain as to whether or not it will be electrified immediately though.

Here is a photograph of the display board.



Photograph R Dow 28 May 2008

Following feedback has been forwarded to Trackstar.

QuoteI would like to compliment Trackstar on their community engagement with respect to the Corinda to Darra rail project.

A project such as this is a significant disruption but a well informed public is a public on board with the project.
I called into Oxley station this morning and the staff on hand at the display were friendly, helpful and very well informed.

I would also like to acknowledge the fact that the Oxley station was cleaned up thoroughly after last weekends construction activities.
Well done!

Regards
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Photograph of where the go card touch device was located at the eastern end of Oxley railway station platform.



Photograph R Dow 29 May 2008

It has been removed prior to the closure of the pedestrian footbridge.  This is expected to commence on the 14th June or thereabouts.

There will be no access to or from the eastern end of Oxley platform until the new bridge is built and upgrades complete I expect.

Some advance notice to the go card users would have been appreciated.   

Some signs have been placed alerting users to the removed go card touch device.  Thanks!   



Photograph R Dow 30 May 2008

In light rain and fading late afternoon light, 1753 and 1756 with a long train of cattle wagons, about to pass under the soon to be gone foot bridge at Oxley.  QR has been meeting increased demands for cattle transport.  QR is the only remaining railway network in Australia that regularly transports livestock.



Photograph R Dow 30 May 2008




Photograph R Dow 30 May 2008

Days are numbered for the foot bridge ...



Photograph R Dow 3 June 2008

Nooooooo

But seriously folks - when are they going to tell commuters and more importantly the residents of surrounding streets?

I expect something will appear early next week Mozz.  I have been tracking back and forth to touch on and off when coming on the eastern end since the touch device was removed, good exercise ( )

I had a good look around today at the car parking at Oxley.  There are a lot of cars parking at the eastern general area.  Will be a lot of unhappy punters I guess.  They will need to factor in a couple of extra minutes or they might miss their services.

The bridge is going next weekend, the weekend of the line closures Corinda to Ipswich (14th and 15th June).

Sign appeared last Friday.



Photograph R Dow 10 June 2008

See here for the removal of the foot bridge.

Meanwhile, the new third road works have commenced in earnest.

Photographs show the beginning of the clearing of the cutting on the down side of the 17 Mile Rocks Road bridge.  Provision was made for a third line when bridge was built, earth only needs to be removed to provide a road for the third line.







Looking in an down direction next to the up line.  Eventually a 4th line will be to the right (south) of the present up line.




Photographs R Dow 15 June 2008

Looking down the down line, showing the beginning of the excavation up to the road bridge at Oxley.
End of work for the day.



Photograph R Dow 15 June 2008

Quote from: ozbob on May 30, 2008, 17:38:03 PM
QR is the only remaining railway network in Australia that regularly transports livestock.

...and that's just the commuter service 

To Stephenk,
You cold be wrong there as QR's livestock transport no longer seems to cater for sheep, goats or pigs but now confines itself to the movement of cattle and commuters, does that mean that either the cattle or the commuters are being discriminated against.
Cheers

Good one Stephen

Still progress is being made!

I think the cattle travel in more comfort than peak commuters. 

During the weekend some property (opposite to platform 1)  adjacent to the up line had a strip cleared for the 4th line.  About 8 metres or so has been added to the rail right of way.  Still not that obvious.  I assume the CWA hall will be moved as well.  Of interest will be how the 4th line will be going under 17 Mile Rocks Road?  The third line down side there is room for it already, not on the upside. Due to the safety concerns with the bridge hopefully something will be done to help improve road traffic safety and some protection to stop vehicles crashing on to the soon to be 4 tracks!  (see --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=897.0 )

Copy of email to Trackstar sent 17th June 2008

------------------------------------

Greetings,

Robert from RAIL Back On Track here

We have been noting the progress at Oxley and have some concerns with respect to the road bridge at Oxley.

This bridge is a major safety issue and has been of much ongoing concern to residents and RAIL Back On Track members.  We are very concerned of the real risk of vehicles crashing onto the railway line. As the line will soon be a quad this is now more acute than ever.

For some background on the bridge please see here -->  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=897.0

We have noted that bridge has already provision for the new 'down' third line, but what is going to happen with respect for the new 'up' 4th line please?

Is the bridge going to be reworked to accommodate the 4th line?  Will some barrier protection be incorporated to help ensure vehicles don't crash on the line?

I am sure Trackstar personnel have noted the damage on the bridge which is evidence of the near misses of late. Also the safety barrier on the uphill side of 17 Mile Rocks Road was destroyed in an accident over  a month ago. It still languishes in a ruined state.

We have previously brought this matter to the attention of Queensland Transport, local political representatives, Minister for Transport but nothing ever happens.

Also, is there any update on the electrification status of the 'up' fourth line (the so called freight line)?

I watched the works around Oxley over the last weekend, very good job!

Many thanks.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

Concept map extract of Oxley station from Oxley Station (Concept Plan)

Notices have been distributed advising of no parking in Ardoyne Road near Oxley station from Monday 30th June till December 2008.  This is necessary to ensure safety during the station upgrade.  Traffic control will also be used in Ardoyne for traffic and pedestrian management as needed.  In fact Ardoyne road will be a good place for motorists to stay away from.  This won't happen as access is needed to the bottom commuter park and so forth for residents.  It will though put more pressure on the Oxley road bridge ( see --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=897.0 )

It will of course put more parking pressure on the streets of Oxley.  See this thread for some interesting discussion on parking problems --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=532.0

The disruption will be worth it!

Area where the new 4th 'up' line will be ...  looking in a westerly direction from the present platform one.
The CWA hall will go.



Properties adjacent to the present up line have lost about 8 to 10 meters of their back yards for the new 4th line.  There is a possibility that the proposed 4th platform might be built sooner than later ...

This photograph shows some of the reclaimed yard space. Unfortunately some grand old mango trees have gone.



Photographs R Dow 28 June 2008

Some more update photographs of work around Oxley.

Parking in Ardoyne Road has been restricted to allow construction works and so forth.
No way cars will get into these barriers.








Work on the early 4th line formation, eastern end of present platform 1.





SMU passing through at speed



Photographs R Dow 2 July 2008

Initial works on the new platform down side Oxley




Seventeen Mile Rock Road Bridge looking west from end of Oxley platform.

The present up line will be slewed the middle and new 4th line will be passing under the bridge where the present up line is. The 'third line' will be in the new section being excavated on the right (as viewed).



Photographs R Dow 4 July 2008