14 Apr 2010: SEQ: Cross River Rail Project

[ozbob]

Media Release 14 April 2010

SEQ:  Cross River Rail Project

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the next phase of the Cross River Rail Project. Public consultation on the draft terms of reference has now opened (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Cross River Rail project will allow increased train frequency on all lines and the introduction of novel train paths.  This is essential in view of the looming capacity constraints through the CBD rail corridor.  The general route outlined we believed is the best of the options considered."

"The benefit of underground rail stations at Woolloongabba and in the southern CBD will be immense in terms of providing mass transit access for citizens to these major public transport journey generator locations."

"Utilisation of part of the Exhibition loop rail corridor for this extension makes economic and operational sense.  Some additional works will be required to ease the Cross River Rail line onto the main northern line but this is relatively straight forward compared to a continuation of the tunnel.  The planned development at the Exhibition precinct will now be directly supported by mass transit."

"The detailed planning for Cross River Rail needs to include provision for subsequent additions to the network."

"The Cross River Rail Project is the most important transport project ever in south east Queensland in our opinion (2).  It is essential to do it now, do it properly and do it once. Doing things on the cheap has never worked for rail infrastructure in the past and will not work on this project; doing things in stages will lead to a cost blow out and will only deliver part of the required infrastructure."

References:

1. http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/projects/transport/rail/cross-river-rail.html

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2034.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org