TransLink SEQ public transport during February 2022 flood and recovery period

[HappyTrainGuy]

Trams are robust aren't they? All around the world despite the weather conditions they prove resilient and keep on running, even in the depths of winter with heavy snow.

I have also seen trams continue through flood water in Melbourne, there is no stopping those trams.

It seems that the Blink system is predominantly built on areas that don't get flooded that often as well.

Because it's extensive and costly work repairing trains. Not to mention railway rollingstock have more advanced motors than trams. If you have a bearing seize up then your stuffed! 2806 went over a flooded bridge at Tully a couple years back. 40km later a bearing on the loco seized. Wrecked the traction motors on the loco and about 22 wagons had seized bearings.

[SurfRail]

Apparently there is extensive damage at Beenleigh Station.

I hope they don't spend too much money fixing it up again. It is due for demolition at the end of the year.

No it is not.

[achiruel]

^ according to reports I've heard from people who live in the area, it's not just the station, there's extensive damage to the tracks (washouts) and OHLE as well.

I wonder if they can just do the bare minimum repairs to the existing station and start on the new one ASAP?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1500328320545996802

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1500331909448343559

[ozbob]

https://translink.com.au/updates/88566

Services for Monday 7 March

Train services will run to a Saturday timetable with peak services running every 15 minutes between 6am and 9am and between 3.30pm and 6.30pm.

Services will resume on the Cleveland and Shorncliffe lines.

Rail replacement services will operate between the following stations:

Beenleigh and Kuraby
Ipswich and Rosewood
Nambour and Gympie North

Please see details > for your specific line.

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/94632

More services come online for Shorncliffe and Cleveland commuters
6th March 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Thanks to the herculean efforts of Queensland Rail track workers over the weekend, more train services will be available for Monday morning commuters.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said services on the Shorncliffe and Cleveland lines would resume from first service tomorrow.

"The intense rainfall caused washouts and sinkholes along the Shorncliffe and Cleveland lines at a number of locations, which Queensland Rail crews have worked tirelessly to repair," Mr Bailey said.

"From tomorrow, services will resume in both directions between Cleveland and Shorncliffe stations.

"It has been a big effort over the weekend to get the track, signalling and stations certified as safe, so I thank customers for their ongoing patience.

"In more good news, we'll also be providing peak services every 15 minutes to customers across the network to help move people around the city."

Mr Bailey said some sections of track were still undergoing repairs.

"Crews are working quickly to repair damage at Holmview, and on the Rosewood line, to ensure we can return to a full timetable as soon as possible," he said.

"Gold Coast services will now terminate at Beenleigh station, with an express bus in operation between Beenleigh and Kuraby stations to connect customers with the wider network.

"We'll also be introducing a shuttle bus between Ipswich and Rosewood stations while repairs continue."

From Monday (7 March), the following rail services will be in operation:

Ipswich and Caboolture line in full.
Sunshine Coast line between Caboolture and Nambour, with rail replacement buses between Nambour and Gympie North.
Beenleigh and Ferny Grove line, between Kuraby and Ferny Grove, with rail replacement buses stopping all stations between Beenleigh and Kuraby.
Airport line between Central and Domestic Terminal.
Gold Coast line between Varsity Lakes and Beenleigh, with rail replacement buses in operation express between Beenleigh and Kuraby.
Redcliffe Peninsula and Springfield line in full.
Doomben line between Park Road and Doomben.
Shorncliffe and Cleveland line in full.
Rosewood line operated by rail replacement buses.
On the roads, Mr Bailey said some bus depots were still facing access issues which would impact service offerings this week.

"Almost all bus operators will be in operation tomorrow, and we're working closely with the teams today to understand what the timetable will look like," he said.

"I encourage regular bus commuters to keep an eye on social media, and the TransLink journey planner for updates to routes.

"A big thank you goes out to the people of South East Queensland for their understanding while we waited for flood water to recede and commenced road repairs."

Mr Bailey urged regular commuters to hop online and plan their journey ahead of travel this week.

"As our recovery efforts continue, we may be reintroducing services throughout the week so I ask customers to tune into social media and check the TransLink website regularly," he said.

"Ferry services will remain suspended this week as debris is removed and ferry terminal repairs get underway.

"I will keep customers updated throughout the week as more services come online."

Train services will run to a Saturday timetable outside of peak hours, with some temporary station access changes in place.

For up to date transport information, please visit www.translink.com.au

ENDS

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1500719057708150784

[ozbob]

7th March 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

SEQ public transport nears full return

From tomorrow the Logan and Gold Coast train lines are fully re-opening, and Brisbane buses will move to weekday timetables, as South East Queensland's public transport network edges closer to a full return.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Queensland Rail crews continue working around the clock to repair extensive damage on the Gold Coast line between Beenleigh and Kuraby.

"Beenleigh and Holmview stations and track were inundated just last week, and there were washaways at Kingston, plus damage to electrical and signalling equipment," Mr Bailey said.

"So the crews have done an incredible job to get the lines up and running just days later, and they've been supported by the rest of QR's team, who have been re-organising timetables and making sure we can deliver services.

"This will see Gold Coast, and Logan commuters getting to work, school and essential services faster, easing the pressure on our roads.

"Most of the SEQ rail network is now operational after the floods with the exception of services west of Ipswich, and north of Nambour, where repairs are still taking place.

"I'm also pleased to confirm Brisbane city bus services will be returning to a normal weekday timetable from tomorrow."

Environment, Science and Youth Minister and Gold Coast-based MP Meaghan Scanlon welcomed the announcement for Gold Coast commuters, and acknowledged Queensland Rail staff for their efforts in bringing services back online as soon as possible.

"Thousands of Gold Coasters rely on the trains to get to work or access essential services, so to see all services restored so quickly despite the record-breaking rain is certainly a welcome relief for our community," Minster Scanlon said.

"We saw congestion on the M1 ease after some services were able to resume last week.

"It's been a mammoth effort by crews to keep the G: running despite the wet weather and to make sure the rail line is once again safe for use, so a big thanks to all staff who have gone above and beyond this last week."

Member for Macalister Mel McMahon said the re-opening would be welcomed by Logan commuters.

"This is great news for everyone in Logan, and will get them to work faster as we recover from the floods," Ms McMahon said.

"I'd like to say thank you to the QR crews who have worked day and night to re-open the line, and to commuters for their patience over the last week."

Mr Bailey said trains would still be running on a reduced timetable, so it was best to plan ahead before you jump on board.

"We encourage customers to plan their journey in advance by using the TransLink journey planner or visiting the flood damage service updates page on the TransLink website," he said.

"Transport and Main Roads staff, including public transport staff, are doing everything they can to restore roads and public transport services back to normal as soon as possible.

"We ask for patience while we work towards this as safety is our priority and we will not operate services where it is not safe to do so."

Brisbane River CityCats and ferries remain suspended due to unsafe conditions and damage to terminals and vessels.

ENDS

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Buses, trains almost back to normal but floods leave ferries suspended $

Brisbane bus services will soon return to a full timetable and trains are slowly resuming but ferries are still suspended after flooding, road closures, potholes and damaged traffic lights caused disruption to the city.

Public transport and road tolls were free for about four days while some south-east Queensland rail services were back online last week as the state recovered.

Intense rainfall triggered flash flooding through Brisbane and across the south-east, destroying ferry terminals and flooding train tracks.

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said the state's flood damage was about $2.5 billion.

"That includes money for disaster response and recovery and support measures," he said.

"Of that, at least $1 billion will be allocated to the restoration of public infrastructure of local governments and the state government.

"That includes things like roads, rail systems, bridges and other infrastructure."

Mr Dick said private infrastructure damage would cost $936 million dollars in insurance claims for private homes and buildings. ...

[ozbob]

ABC News --> CityCat network offline for months, bikeway damage could take years to repair, Brisbane City Council warns

Brisbane City Council's ferry network is likely to be out of action for up to three months, while damage to bikeways could take years to repair as council faces an "arduous" clean-up job.

Key points:

Brisbane's ferry network will be offline for up to three months, council says
Regatta ferry terminal has suffered serious damage
Bikeways across the city will also take months to repair

While most of the ferry terminals that were replaced after the 2011 floods performed as planned, with gangways lifting clear of the floodwaters and only suffering minimal damage, Regatta terminal in Toowong suffered heavy damage. ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1501080481210970116

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1501090802776539137

[achiruel]

Does anyone know the reason behind the continuing Saturday rail timetable?

Staff unavailability? Was some rollingstock flood damaged and is unavailable?

[verbatim9]

I hope it remains for the next couple of months. I have been catching trains and buses  over the last couple days during peak. Loads are  50% and lower.

Parking is also free until the end of March.

I can't see a new timetable until  after the Anzac and Labor Day Holiday. That will make it May before it's needed.

[ozbob]

^^ achiruel

Rollingstock positioning is out of whack due to network closures to outside stabling facilities so some services were split to provide the numbers required. Elimbah was also closed. Large number of NGR out of action due to stabling on the Gold Coast line. Should mostly be resolved tomorrow.

[ozbob]

I hope it remains for the next couple of months. I have been catching trains and buses  over the last couple days during peak. Loads are  50% and lower.

Parking is also free until the end of March.

I can't see a new timetable until  after the Anzac and Labor Day Holiday. That will make it May before it's needed.

I don't, the sooner the normal timetable is resumed the better.

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/94665

Vital North Coast rail line reopens through Gympie North
10th March 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

After a two-week flood recovery effort, the North Coast line has re-opened, reconnecting the vital rail link north of Brisbane.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the line had first re-opened to long-distance travel and freight services.

"The severe wet weather system across the South Eastern corner has impacted upon our road and rail supply chains and it's so important to get freight moving again," Mr Bailey said.

"That's why we are prioritising freight and services today, with long-distance passenger services also travelling from Roma Street through to Cairns."

Mr Bailey said commuter trains between Gympie North and Nambour would recommence tomorrow (Friday 11 March).

"For Sunshine Coast commuters, buses will continue to operate between Gympie North and Nambour stations for the remainder of today (Thursday)," he said.

"Queensland Rail is grateful to rail customers, including Aurizon and freight partners, for their patience while work was underway to restore this part of the North Coast line, the spine of the state's rail system."

Mr Bailey praised the efforts of crews both on the ground, and behind the scenes, who battled wild weather to complete the recovery and repair operations.

"I'd also like to thank the dedicated rail crews who worked day and night over the past two weeks through difficult conditions to repair substantial damage to the tracks after the flooding, and clear the derailed locomotive and wagons near Traveston," he said.

"It was also a collaboration between Queensland Rail and Aurizon crews to get the job done quickly and safely.

"The floods hit this region particularly hard, and the recovery effort involved a vast array of track and civil works to get this line open, including repairs to embankments and washouts, restoring overhead line equipment and laying new ballast and track.

"Recovery of the derailment site was also an enormous task to complete with teams up against extreme weather, flooding and challenging ground conditions, which made this job even more difficult.

"The scope and logistics of this task were colossal. A large crane pad had to be constructed to allow safe access for heavy equipment, which then enabled the derailed locomotives and wagons to be safely lifted and removed.

"We want to acknowledge the support provided by the crews of this third-party freight operator, whose efforts and cooperation contributed to the restoration of rail services as soon as possible.

"With freight services prioritised today to get essential goods on the move, I also want to acknowledge the very big effort behind the scenes to plan those important paths with freight partners, and arrange the timetabling."

Mr Bailey said the reopening of the North Coast line meant the full South East Queensland rail network had been restored, with the exception of services west of Ipswich, where repairs were still underway.

"Teams are working hard to return services to the Rosewood line as soon as it is safe to do so. Efforts are focussed on a severe landslip west of Ipswich, amid other washouts and track repairs," he said.

"In the meantime, buses will replace trains between Rosewood and Ipswich.

"Freight services to and from Toowoomba and further west cannot commence until repairs on that landslip, as well as along the Toowoomba Range, are completed.

"All other South East Queensland rail services will continue to run to a Saturday timetable (with 15 minute peak services) until next week.

"I will continue to update customers on changes to the timetable, as information is available.

"We thank customers for their patience while the network recovers from the impacts of this severe weather."

Customers are encouraged to plan their journey in advance by visiting the flood damage service updates page on the TransLink website or by calling 13 12 30.

ENDS

[ozbob]

^

" ... Mr Bailey said commuter trains between Gympie North and Nambour would recommence tomorrow (Friday 11 March). ... "

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1501787782015946753

[ozbob]

Media Release

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

11th March 2022

Full timetable resumes: SEQ rail services are back on track

The South East Queensland train network will be restored to a full timetable from Wednesday, 16 March except for Ipswich to Rosewood.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said this was fantastic news for commuters, and an incredible achievement by Queensland Rail staff.

"The entire Queensland Rail network was hard hit by extreme weather and flooding, with multiple washouts, landslips and damage to overhead lines that affected every line," Mr Bailey said.

"For the last two weeks, more than 700 workers have been working hard both on track and behind the scenes to safely complete these repairs, with significant work also from facilities management, planners and rostering in the clean-up efforts and preparations to achieve this goal of returning to a full timetable.

"When you consider the extent of damage to the network – with 26 sites and 34 stations damaged, plus 16 facilities in Mayne Yard requiring repairs, it is an extraordinary feat to have these repair works completed.

"The full South East Queensland rail network has now been restored to a full timetable, with the exception of services west of Ipswich, where repairs are continuing on a severe landslip.

"Teams are still there working tirelessly to restore services on the Rosewood line.  In the meantime, buses will continue to replace trains between Rosewood and Ipswich."

Mr Bailey thanked commuters for their patience in recent weeks.

"I understand it has been a challenging time for commuters with just about every public transport service impacted in some way, so I thank people for their understanding," he said.

"Having trains and buses back to normal should also help ease traffic on our roads.

"We encourage customers to plan their journey in advance by using the TransLink journey planner or visiting the flood damage service updates page on the TransLink website."

Brisbane River CityCats and ferries remain suspended due to unsafe conditions and damage to terminals and vessels.

ENDS

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1502190436303405058

[ozbob]

Government Media Release

15th March 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Full timetable returns tomorrow

After more than two weeks of reduced rail services due to damage caused by the floods, Queensland Rail's South East Queensland timetable will return to a full weekday timetable tomorrow.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey reminded customers of the good news.

"Returning to a full timetable is a testament to the hard work and endurance of over 700 Queensland Rail workers who got stuck into the recovery efforts, both on the track and behind the scenes," Mr Bailey said.

"From first service tomorrow morning, we will be operating a regular weekday timetable on all lines.

"I'm proud of the work done by all those involved to get us to this point, which is a far cry from when the floods hit, and we experienced extensive damage to the whole network.

"Considering there were 26 sites and 34 stations damaged, plus 16 facilities in Mayne Yard requiring repairs, I'm pleased we are in a position to return to full service tomorrow."

Mr Bailey said Queensland Rail offered nearly 8,400 train services per week.

"In response to COVID-19, Queensland Rail added an additional 105 weekly services to the timetable to give commuters more options for travel," he said.

"Almost all these services will be available tomorrow, with the exception of services between Ipswich and Rosewood stations.

"Repairs are continuing to a landslip near Thomas Street station, which has delayed the resumption of services west of Ipswich.

"We are anticipating these services will be back up and running from Thursday, weather and construction conditions permitting.

"I thank commuters for their ongoing patience in recent weeks and look forward to seeing everyone back onboard.

"Having trains and buses back to normal should also help ease traffic on our roads."

Customers are encouraged to plan their journey in advance by using the TransLink journey planner.

ENDS

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

[ozbob]

Government Media Release

16th March 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Rail network back on track

Link to network recovery vision > https://vimeo.com/688268825/64cbaf75ba

Services across all of the Queensland Rail network will be restored by tomorrow (Thursday), after a mammoth three-week recovery of damage and debris from the recent record rain and flooding.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey confirmed the West Moreton rail line re-opened to freight services this morning, and passenger services to Rosewood will resume on Thursday.

"Queensland Rail has undertaken a mammoth job to repair washouts, sink holes, landslips, debris and an extensive list of other damage across hundreds of kilometres of rail in the state's south, caused by the recent flood event," Mr Bailey said.

"Today, we see a critical supply chain reinstated with the reopening of the West Moreton rail line, where coal, grain and other freight services have now resumed.

"More than 90 workers in crews from Toowoomba, Laidley, Dalby, Chinchilla and Warwick joined the effort to restore our western rail lines, with final efforts focused on the Toowoomba Range in recent days.

"The Toowoomba Range was hit hard and had more than 30 slip sites, washouts and water coming through the rock face.

"This week professional rock climbers were brought onboard to assist in stabilising the slope, allowing for final repairs to be completed and services to resume today."

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said the South East Queensland rail network was also resuming operations on all lines, including the Rosewood line.

"Today, we have all lines running to full timetable except for the Rosewood line, where SEQ passenger trains will resume tomorrow," Mr Madden said.

"A major landslip in West Ipswich has been the thorn in the side of the SEQ recovery effort, and a creative solution has re-established connection through this area.

"Queensland Rail has constructed a temporary track deviation around the landslip, which is allowing Rosewood line trains, freight and regional western services to safely resume at restricted speeds, while work on the landslip continues to be safely repaired.

"With this interim arrangement in place, it means services on the Rosewood line will run at different times to what customers are used to, so customers should visit the TransLink Journey Planner to plan their travel.

"This is an important transport corridor for SEQ services to Rosewood, regional passenger services through to Charleville, and freight services connecting from the west to the Port of Brisbane.

"Already today, on the first day of re-opening, twelve freight trains are scheduled to pass through and we'll see more as operations return to normal.

"Tomorrow, Rosewood SEQ passenger rail services will resume and on 24 March, the Westlander passenger service will also make its return, connecting communities between Brisbane and Charleville."

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard credited Queensland Rail teams for their hard work, resilience and commitment to connecting communities.

"It's hard to convey the full scale of the recovery effort completed in the last three weeks, especially here in Ipswich," Ms Howard said.

"There have been more people and teams involved in this milestone than meets the eye.

"I'd like to thank Queensland Rail teams for their work in restoring the network, as well as commuters, rail freight partners and the broader community for their patience while we did so."

ENDS

Background

SEQ summary:

    Approx. 2000m of track was repaired spread across the 26 sites, including the Shorncliffe line which had over 1000m of washout.
    More than 26 network infrastructure sites were damaged by washouts, sinkholes, embankment damage, landslips, debris, and there was further damage to traction and signalling assets.
    34 out of 153 stations were damaged, alongside stabling yards and maintenance facilities.
    Approx. 600 network maintenance staff involved in recovery alongside more than 100 others in critical workgroups including signalling, rollingstock maintenance, train control, scheduling, rostering, the Rail Operations Response Unit and many others.
    4400m3 of ballast placed across the network.

Western lines summary:

    95 network infrastructure sites impacted, including slips, washouts, scour sites, signalling damage, road damage and drain blockages.
    Over 90 network maintenance staff have been involved in the recovery, including engineering, civil, signal electricians, system maintainers, Telecom technicians, planners, administration and schedulers.
    Other critical workgroups and contractors included 40 earthworks machinery operators, sucka truck operators, surveyors, cable locators and geotechnical expertise.
    2,600 tonne of rock was used to repair flood damage, 9.6 tonne of grout was used to repair culvert damage, 1,600 tonne of slip or potential slip rock/earthen material was removed.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/1503996666298437635

^

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/1507131984426016774

[techblitz]

They are saying that toombul shopping center could be closed for up to a year......this would be bad news for regular toombul shoppers who will now have to go to either chermside or skygate....preferably chermside....which means they have to deal with poor connections between those 2 shopping centres eg: GCL/308/322
Or backtrack to various connection points on the 310/369/326/327(zillmere 330).

TL/TFB probably need to step up and increase days/frequency of the 308.....we know full well they wont touch the GCL....since it hasnt been touched in decades...

[ozbob]

https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandRail/posts/336275921863172

Queensland Rail

Last Updated: 10:13am Sunday, 27 March 2022.

UPDATE: Customers, following the site inspection, services will remain suspended in both directions between Ipswich and Rosewood until further notice. Rail replacement buses will remain in place until train services are able to resume safely. We will continue to keep you updated and appreciate your patience while we work to resolve this issue.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> When CityCat ferry services will return to Brisbane $

Partial CityCat and ferry services will finally return to Brisbane from Monday while workers continue to repair $20 million worth of flood damage to the terminal network.

Council confirmed services would return in three stages, starting with a Bulimba to Teneriffe cross river ferry service on Monday, April 4, and a temporary West End to Guyatt Park cross river service commencing on April 11.

Ferry services would then expand to New Farm and Bulimba peninsulas during stage two of the plan and stage three will involve connecting services to the city at Riverside or Howard Smith Wharves, Southbank and Mowbray Park, and the eastern suburbs. ...