Roma Street to Corinda Signals Upgrade Project

[SurfRail]

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Documents/ROC%20Fact%20Sheet%20Final%20180416.pdf

Maybe this would be less of an issue if peak hour didn't have such a hard shoulder.

[STB]

I must admit I'm rather nerding out at them using proper rail terminology in the notice and not fluffing it up with PR speak. 

[ozbob]

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Documents/ROC%20Fact%20Sheet%20Final%20180416.pdf

Roma Street to Corinda Station Signals Upgrade Project

To help future proof Queensland Rail's network, train signals between Roma
Street and Corinda stations will be upgraded and new track crossovers will be
installed near Milton station.

Why is the project needed?

The current signals infrastructure on this stretch of the Ipswich line is more than
50 years old, making it difficult and expensive to maintain and integrate with
new, sophisticated signalling and train control systems which Queensland Rail is
progressively rolling out across its network.

To support on-time running now and into the future, these works will also involve the installation of two new
track crossovers near Milton station. This will allow trains to turn back and be stored ('stacked') following the
morning peak time, eliminating congestion and potential for delays.

What is involved?

The project involves the replacement of 16 signalling gantries
with signal portals, signal huts and equipment, and trackside
cabling and equipment.

The construction of the new track crossovers provides a turn
back facility and will allow 16 trains to be stored in the
corridor between Milton and Sherwood, and then routed into
Mayne Yard after the morning peak time. Installation of the
new turn back will require four new turnouts, three Over Head
Line Electrification (OHLE) portals and track alignment
modifications around Milton station.

The new infrastructure will be built in parallel to the existing
system and then switched over. Then, the old infrastructure
will be removed.

Work will be staged using normal Scheduled Corridor Access
System (SCAS) closures that are usually 48 hours or more of
continuous works over a weekend. Some works will occur
outside these periods and will have a minimal impact on
normal train operations, however, may create some
construction noise and traffic ...

More > http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Documents/ROC%20Fact%20Sheet%20Final%20180416.pdf

[ozbob]

Members here long suggested a few crossovers at Milton would help in managing trains and demands at Milton during major events etc. 

Looks like finally something is going to happen.

[#Metro]

will allow 16 trains to be stored in the corridor between Milton and Sherwood

What an intriguing project.

How do they fit 16 trains into this track stretch? I don't understand how that will be executed.

[Gazza]

One after the other on the express track I guess?

[petey3801]

Iiiinteresting! I knew they were looking at doing Bi-Di on all tracks Roma St to Corinda, but the whole stacking of trains from Milton to Sherwood is new! I had sort of hoped they would rearrange the dunnings to be Up-Up-Down-Down Milton to Sherwood/Corinda when done, which is still possible with this plan as well really.

In regards to LD's question (i'm on my phone and quoting is a bit painful on the phone!), without getting a map out there are approximately 20 signal sections between Milton and Sherwood, all of which can hold a 6car train (although some won't allow a train to enter while a train is in the next signal section due to overlap requirements in the system and they won't hold a train on the bridge at Indooroopilly).

[tazzer9]

Wouldn't using the up-up/down-down arrangement stuff up corinda to darra a bit due to the flyover for the springfield line.  even after the quadding of that section is done properly.  Or can this be fixed with a few crossovers. 

I can see more services to corinda after CCR opens with some trains using the subs through the cbd.  Gotta make use of a turnback platform, we lack them here and we should be desperate for more.

However there has to be smarter ways of storing trains than having them sit on running lines.  Why don't QR maybe try and give decent counter peak frequency a go.  Alternativly there is space for 2 more roads at redbank or the could extend the springfield line 400m to hold 4 trains

[SurfRail]

Proper counter peak frequency would make the stabling issue go away, although you would still need to do something with the signalling system that way given its age.

Up-up-down-down would have worked if Darra to Corinda had been done properly.  Probably not much point now, and it at least means the wider platforms get used for all stations services at most stops without having to rebuild everything with proper islands and express tracks.