Article: Underground plan for Brisbane

[ozbob]

From Brisbane mX 20 Aug 2008 page one, online Courier Mail click here!

Underground plan for Brisbane

Underground plan for Brisbane
Article from: MX

Ursula Heger

August 20, 2008 04:30pm

AN underground rail system for Brisbane's CBD is now being considered by the State Government following a year-long feasibility study into the project.

Transport Minister John Mickel's spokesman this morning confirmed the subway option was a possibility.

The confirmation came after Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg announced he would consider public opinion about moving the inner-city rail network underground if elected.

"We dont have a very effective and efficient public transport system in Brisbane," Springborg said.

"We need to actually be opening our mind to the possibility of underground, or partial underground, inner-city rail networks."

The Minister's spokesman said the Inner City Rail Capacity Study, which was set up to investigate a new rail network that would include a second inner-city crossing of the Brisbane River to ease congestion on the Citytrain system, was due out within months.

The study is still in a draft form, but is examining options for boosting rail capacity in the city centre, including potential for an underground tunnel, the spokesman said.

The study also looks at developing options to better connect the rail network north and south of the river.

Commuter group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said the best option would be a line from

Dutton Park to the Botanical Gardens, Central and the Exhibition stop.

"It would be an idea to look at Woolloongabba as an underground junction station, and run a line to St

Lucia feeding into the main western line to Indooroopilly," he said.

[Derwan]

When I read this I thought, "This is hardly news!"