Flooding - 20th November 2008

[ozbob]

Over 200mm rain overnight, particularly west of Brisbane

Understand no trains between Redbank and Rosewood at this time.

It is recommended do not drive today unless absolutely essential.

QR Citytrain website --> http://www.citytrain.com.au

BOM Weather radar -->  http://mirror.bom.gov.au/products/IDR663.shtml

[ozbob]

At at 5.20am 20th November 2008  http://www.citytrain.com.au

SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

QR is experiencing service disruptions on the Ferny Grove line due to EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS.Delays of up to 30 minutes can be experienced. Services are expected to return to normal by __11:00__ pm.

For further enquiries please call Translink on 13 12 30 or contact QR Passenger Services on 07 3606 5555.

QR apologises for these changes to your normal service and appreciates your patience as we work to minimise these disruptions

SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

QR is experiencing service disruptions on the Ipswich line due to EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS .Delays of up to 30 minutes can be experienced. Services are expected to return to normal by 11.00pm.

For further enquiries please call Translink on 13 12 30 or contact QR Passenger Services on 07 3606 5555.

QR apologises for these changes to your normal service and appreciates your patience as we work to minimise these disruptions

[ozbob]

No trains Ferny Grove  to Keperra

No trains Rosewood - Ipswich - Redbank

Ballast washouts ...

Bus in lieu ... 

[ozbob]

I came on a late running 6.11am service from Oxley (actual 6.26am)  arrived at Roma St at 6.49 (due at 6.34am).  No worries, other than on Main down from Corinda to Roma St.

The early bird service was scratched at the barrier today.  Good loading on the train, about a DS 3 leaving Auchenflower.

The subway at Oxley looks as though a creek might have been running through it, there was a lot of water dumped very quickly overnight.

Oxley subway this morning



Photograph R Dow 20th November 2008


Will be some altered running today.  Trains were extended to Dinmore earlier on this morning (were originally to terminate at Redbank).

[ozbob]

As at 7.30 am   http://www.citytrain.com.au

SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

QR is experiencing service disruptions on the Ipswich/Rosewood line due to EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS .Delays of up to 30 minutes can be experienced. Passengers will be conveyed by bus Rosewood to Dinmore. Services are expected to return to normal by 11.00pm.

For further enquiries please call Translink on 13 12 30 or contact QR Passenger Services on 07 3606 5555.

QR apologises for these changes to your normal service and appreciates your patience as we work to minimise these disruptions

SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

QR is experiencing service disruptions on the Ferny Grove line due to EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS.Delays of up to 30 minutes can be experienced. Passengers will be conveyed by bus Ferny Grove to Keperra. Services are expected to return to normal by 2 pm.

For further enquiries please call Translink on 13 12 30 or contact QR Passenger Services on 07 3606 5555.

QR apologises for these changes to your normal service and appreciates your patience as we work to minimise these disruptions

[ozbob]

http://www.transinfo.qld.gov.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/media_alert081120

King George Square busway station

King George Square busway station has been temporarily closed to commuters due to allow cleanup after last night?s storm.

Buses are able to pass through the station but passengers will be dropped at Roma, Queen Street and the Cultural Centre busway stations.

Outbound services will depart from either Roma Street busway station (for northern and western services) or Cultural Centre (for southern services) busway station:

[ozbob]

I have heard reports that there  is significant flood damage to the main western line around Grandchester and possibly further west as well.

Anyone able to confirm please?

[ozbob]

Photo of damage to FG line at CM web site click here!

Photo of damage to FG line at CM web site click here!

Train line damage at Ferny Grove near Samford Road. Pictures: Heidi Snowdon.

Photo at CM web site of Swanbank Rail Line Enoggera Creek, Gresham St Bridge here!

[ozbob]

http://www.transinfo.qld.gov.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/media_alert081120  11.40am 20th November 2008

Ipswich line

Shuttle bus services are replacing trains between Bundamba to Rosewood stations, stopping all stations except Thagoona station due to flooding.

Passengers on the Ipswich line are experiencing significant delays.

QR is unsure when services will resume to normal.

Ferny Grove line

Shuttle bus services are operating between Ferny Grove and Keperra stations.

Passengers on the Ferny Grove line are experiencing delays.

QR has advised it hopes to restore services between Keperra and Ferny Grove stations by 3pm today.

Central station

Please allow extra time to buy tickets at Central station because the ticket office on the concourse is temporarily closed. Passengers should buy tickets from the fare machines.

Bus services

Bus services accross the network are experiencing delays to the traffic congestion caused by the weather.

Hornibrook Bus Lines has reported that route 315 and 680 from Redclffe to Brisbane City are experiencing extreme delays due to the closure of the Inner City Bypass.

King George Square busway station

King George Square busway station has been temporarily closed to commuters due to allow cleanup after last night?s storm.

Buses are able to pass through the station but passengers will be dropped at Roma, Queen Street and the Cultural Centre busway stations.

Outbound services will depart from either Roma Street busway station (for northern and western services) or Cultural Centre (for southern services) busway station:

[O_128]

at 11am buses still runing to fernygrove!

[ozbob]

http://www.citytrain.com.au

Ferny Grove Line

At 2:30 PM train services on the Ferny Grove Line resumed normal services.

For further enquiries please call Translink on 13 12 30 or contact QR Passenger Services on 07 3606 5555.

QR apologises for these changes to your normal service and appreciates your patience as we work to minimise these disruptions

[ozbob]

http://www.transinfo.qld.gov.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/media_alert081120 2.45pm 20th November

King George Square busway station

King George Square busway station storm cleanup is complete and has now re-opened.

The following services have been temporarily re-located:

    * route 444 to Moggill will depart from platform 1F
    * route 111 to Roma Street station will depart from platform 1E.

[ozbob]

Understood to be washouts from Thagoona to Grandchester. A coal train (empty) is on the up line between Yarrowlea and Rosewood.

A landslide between ipswich and East Ipswich.  Some flood damage at Booval.

[haakon]

Photo of damage to FG line at CM web site click here!

The blue cables in that photo are fibre optic cables.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Gateway Bridge tolls waived to ease traffic

Gateway Bridge tolls waived to ease traffic
Article from: The Courier-Mail

November 20, 2008 02:30pm

TOLLS on the Gateway Bridge will be waived for this afternoon's peak hour to relieve traffic congestion caused by flooding around Brisbane.

A statement from Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the Inner City Bypass in north Brisbane will remain closed this afternoon due to extensive flooding in the RNA tunnel from last night's downpour.

As a major north-south connector route, this closure is expected to cause severe disruption to peak hour traffic flow.

To help relieve congestion, Gateway Bridge tolls will be waived from 3pm to the end of peak hour.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Sensor stuff-up floods tunnel

Sensor stuff-up floods tunnel
Christine Kellett | November 20, 2008 - 12:41PM

A faulty sensor has been blamed for flooding Brisbane's Inner City Bypass this morning, leaving motorists stranded, vehicles under water and causing traffic gridlock.

Brisbane City Council has confirmed a telemetric sensor system designed to detect water in the tunnel and activate a series of pumps failed, leaving the tunnel defenceless as 11 megalitres of water poured inside.

A council spokesman said the cause of the failure had not yet been determined.

Emergency crews will spend all day draining the major arterial thoroughfare, which will be closed for at least 10 hours.

It is understood construction giant Leighton Contractors, which built the ICB, is responsible for maintaining the sensor system.

Comment is being sought from the company, whose offices are based just several hundred metres from the bypass, on Milton's Coronation Drive.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the ICB's sensor system early this morning indicated water removal pumps were working when they were not.

A spokesman said civic authorities were not expecting any major structural damage to the ICB, however the clearing of mud may take some time.

It is not expected to reopen until at least 9pm.

The incident only added to the pain felt by peak hour commuters across Brisbane and the south-east corner, where scores of road closures and rail disruptions made for a horror run in to work.


The council's landmark Clem 7 tunnel, underneath the Brisbane River, escaped unscathed, however.

"Tunnelling continued last night and continues today," a spokesman for contractor RiverCity Motorways said earlier.

"Some of our guys are actually over helping council with the Inner City Bypass."

Premier Anna Bligh said she had "no idea" where water removed from the flooded ICB would be taken.

"That's the main question indeed," Ms Bligh said.

"I imagine it could end up in the Brisbane River, as it is that close."

[stephenk]

I think QR have done an excellent job in restoring the Ferny Grove Line so quickly considering the amount of damage last night.

[ozbob]

Yes indeed excellent recovery time, more storms on the way though --> http://mirror.bom.gov.au/products/IDR663.shtml  3.58pm 20th November.

Hope they stay away from areas already pounded.  The main western line is going to take some work, but I am sure they can get it back in a few days.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

CityCat services cancelled

CityCat services cancelled
Article from: The Courier-Mail

By Alison Sandy

November 20, 2008 05:45pm

ALL Brisbane ferry and CityCat operations will cease from 6pm due to debris in the Brisbane River, and will not resume until the morning.

Commuters can expect significant delays getting home, with key roads also being shut due to flooding.

The last CityCat services depart Riverside for the University of Queensland at 6.02pm and Riverside for Apollo Road at 6pm.

Gateway Bridge tolls will be waived for the afternoon peak, and the Inner City Bypass in north Brisbane will remain closed this afternoon due to extensive flooding in the RNA tunnel from last night's downpour.

The closure of this major north-south connector route is expected to cause severe disruption to peak-hour traffic flow.

Main Roads is encouraging motorists to use the Gateway Bridge to cross the river as an alternative to help ease congestion on Gympie and Wynnum roads and both the Story and Captain Cook bridges.

Premier Anna Bligh has announced that tolls are free from 3-6pm today in order to encourage motorist to use alternative routes out of the city.

To keep updated on the latest traffic conditions and road closures, you can call the traffic hotline on 13 19 40, or visit the site online at 131940.qld.gov.au.

Authorities are recommending where possible that motorists consider staggering their departure time for their journey home, given the impact of recent severe weather on the road network in the greater Brisbane area.

They advise given the number of road closures there is a strong possibility of significant delays during the afternoon peak.

Motorists should expect traffic congestion around the Woollongabba precinct, with the cricket Test and repair work being conducted to the facility in Vulture St.

[ozbob]

For interest, BOM radar at around 7pm 20th November 2008

[ozbob]

Media Release 20 November 2008

SEQ:  Thanks to TransLink and Public Transport Operators

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 thanked TransLink and all public transport operators for their ongoing efforts during a difficult time in south-east Queensland. Despite very difficult weather impacts public transport has operated and people have been able to get around generally as needed.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track members have appreciated the efforts to keep public transport operational during the extreme weather events of late.?

?Queensland Rail?s efforts to return the Ferny Grove line back to normal operations this afternoon was an outstanding effort."

?Despite the restrictions imposed on some services, the spirit of cooperation and willingness of operators to do the best for commuters is greatly appreciated. The efforts of public transport staff is appreciated.?

?There have been some delays and inconvenience.  But as I observed in 1974 during the floods in Brisbane, when things are tough in Brisbane, residents pull together.  Coming home on the QR Citytrain service from Roma St to Dinmore this afternoon passengers were in good spirit, but keen to get home to secure their property, and in some cases carry on with clean ups and assistance to fellow citizens.?

?The value of the TransLink Transit Authority as a central coordination agency for public transport was well demonstrated today.?

?Thank you!?

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Limited services Friday (today 21st) ex Ipswich! 

From http://www.citytrain.com.au  3.50am 21st November 2008

SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

QR is experiencing service disruptions on the Rosewood / Ipswich line due to EXTREME STORM DAMAGE.Passengers will be conveyed by buses in both directions between Rosewood , Ipswich & Dinmore Stations. Delays of up to 30 minutes can be experienced. On Friday morning FIVE SERVICES ONLY will start from Ipswich departing at 4.36 , 5.09 , 5.41 , 6.14 & 6.51am. All other services will start from Bundamba .Services are expected to return to normal by midday Saturday 22/11/08

For further enquiries please call Translink on 13 12 30 or contact QR Passenger Services on 07 3606 5555.

QR apologises for these changes to your normal service and appreciates your patience as we work to minimise these disruptions

As a measure of the significant storm damage here are the figures for the 20th Nov  Citytrain services

PEAK TIME RESULTS
Thursday 20/11/2008 Trains on time 127 of 215 (59%)

This highlights just how well QR have done in getting things going!   

[ozbob]

Last nights evening storm (20th Nov) was another major event.

There were some disruptions between Milton and Roma st.

Debris on rail tracks also forced the closure of the rail line between Milton and Roma Street stations.

From Courier Mail click here!

I suppose one silver lining in the sequence of severe storms these past days is it has highlighted the need for ongoing maintenance and control of vegetation, particularly near power lines and keeping drainage systems clear and functioning.

[ozbob]

The first down service this morning out of IPS was EMU 43 just as itself (3 car set)  through Oxley at around 5.11 am.

I caught the scheduled 6.44am service from Oxley, running about 10 minutes late EMU 13 / 41.  Fully loaded by Indooroopilly, arrival at Roma St at 7.19am (scheduled 7.06).  No problems, folks happy to get there under the circumstances.  Many people waiting at Indooroopilly, Taringa, Toowong for the next service as obviously too full.

Good move to get the sets out of Ipswich and back on the network.  I suspect it will be a while before full services resume on the western line past Bundamba though.

Cheers
Bob

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

CityCats running, Inner City Bypass reopens

CityCats running, Inner City Bypass reopens
Christine Kellett | November 21, 2008 - 4:41AM

Police have advised CityCats will resume service this morning after being suspended last night due to fears of debris in the Brisbane River following recent heavy storms.

However, the Cats will be running at a reduced pace.

The Inner City Bypass was also scheduled to reopen at 5.30am this morning, after yesterday being flooded with 11 million litres of water.

Brisbane City Council confirmed a telemetric sensor system designed to detect water in the tunnel and activate a series of pumps failed, leaving the tunnel defenceless as water poured inside.

A council spokesman said yesterday the cause of the failure had not yet been determined.

Emergency crews spent all yesterday draining the major arterial thoroughfare, which was closed overnight.

It is understood construction giant Leighton Contractors, which built the ICB, is responsible for maintaining the sensor system.

Comment is being sought from the company, whose offices are based just several hundred metres from the bypass, on Milton's Coronation Drive.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said the ICB's sensor system early yesterday morning indicated water removal pumps were working when they were not.

A spokesman said civic authorities were not expecting any major structural damage to the ICB, however the clearing of mud may take some time.

The incident only added to the pain felt by peak hour commuters across Brisbane and the south-east corner, where scores of road closures and rail disruptions made for a horror run in to work.

The council's landmark Clem 7 tunnel, underneath the Brisbane River, escaped unscathed, however.

"Tunnelling continued last night and continues today," a spokesman for contractor RiverCity Motorways said earlier.

"Some of our guys are actually over helping council with the Inner City Bypass."

Premier Anna Bligh said she had "no idea" where water removed from the flooded ICB would be taken.

"That's the main question indeed," Ms Bligh said.

"I imagine it could end up in the Brisbane River, as it is that close."

[ozbob]

From http://www.transinfo.qld.gov.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/media_alert081121 

8.55am 21st November

Ipswich line

Shuttle bus services are replacing trains between Dinmore and Rosewood stations, except Thagoona station due to flooding.

Connecting trains are operating as scheduled between Bundamba station and Brisbane City.

Passengers travelling from Brisbane beyond Bundamba station should disembark at Dinmore station and catch a connecting shuttle bus.

Bus services

Services are operating as scheduled.

CityCat and CityFerry services

All Brisbane River ferry services are running this morning but delays are expected.

[SteelPan]

I's like to record my thanks and best wishes to PT operatioal staff, for doing the best they can during a difficult period.

[ozbob]

Update http://www.citytrain.com.au   1230 21 Nov 2008

SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

QR is experiencing service disruptions on the Rosewood / Ipswich line due to EXTREME STORM DAMAGE.Passengers will be conveyed by buses in both directions between Rosewood , Ipswich & Dinmore Stations. Delays of up to 30 minutes can be experienced. On Friday morning FIVE SERVICES ONLY will start from Ipswich departing at 4.36 , 5.09 , 5.41 , 6.14 & 6.51am. All other services will start from Bundamba. Services are expected to return to normal by midday Saturday 22/11/08

For further enquiries please call Translink on 13 12 30 or contact QR Passenger Services on 07 3606 5555.

QR apologises for these changes to your normal service and appreciates your patience as we work to minimise these disruptions

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

CityCat services cancelled again due to storm debris

CityCat services cancelled again due to storm debris
Article from: The Courier-Mail

November 21, 2008 05:35pm

BRISBANE'S CityCats and cross-river ferries have been cancelled for the second time in two days, due to the amount of storm debris in the city's river.

The services will be suspended until Tuesday.

Debris from flooding to the west of Brisbane is expected to float downstream over coming days, causing a potential safety perils for the vessels.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said a 30,000-litre tank, along with a number of large logs, had been sighted upstream.

"We also have storms predicted for the next two afternoons and we don't know what effect they're going to have," Mr Newman said on Friday.

"There's going to be a lot of debris, silt and rubbish floating down the Brisbane River over the next few days and it's too much of a risk to navigate those potential hazards."

The final CityCat services will leave Riverside, Brisbane, at 6pm and the University of Queensland at 6.02pm.

Cross-river ferries will also cease operations at 6pm.

They will be replaced by shuttle buses on Friday night and on Monday from 6am to 9am, but will not be available on the weekend.

[ozbob]

From TransLink --> http://www.transinfo.qld.gov.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/media_alert081121

6pm 21st November 2008

CityCat and CityFerry services

TransLink has been advised that all Brisbane River CityCat and cross-river services have been cancelled from 6pm tonight until Tuesday due to the large amount of debris in the river after this week?s storms.

The last upstream CityCat service will depart Riverside for The University of Queensland at 6.02pm. The last downstream CityCat service will depart Riverside for Apollo Road at 6pm.

All CityCat and CityFerry services are suspended across the weekend and are expected to resume at 5.30am on Tuesday, November 25 ? unless services can safely resume earlier.

Debris from flooding to the west of Brisbane is expected to come downstream over coming days, which could cause a safety hazard for the vessels.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause

[ozbob]

http://www.citytrain.com.au  7am 22 Nov 2008

SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

QR is experiencing service disruptions on the Rosewood / Ipswich line due to EXTREME STORM DAMAGE. Passengers will be conveyed by buses in both directions between Rosewood , Ipswich & Dinmore Stations. Delays of up to 30 minutes can be experienced. All services to the city will commence from Bundamba. Services are expected to return to normal by 6pm. Sunday 23/11/08

For further enquiries please call Translink on 13 12 30 or contact QR Passenger Services on 07 3606 5555.

QR apologises for these changes to your normal service and appreciates your patience as we work to minimise these disruptions

[O_128]

I saw that dmage at roma street yesterday just alot of sedimaent had been washed down.CAn anyone tell me what the works are today on the cleveland line because they cant possibly be maintenence as this is the 12th time this year

[ozbob]

There is a full page ad in the Courier Mail today (22nd November 2008) page 35

Part one



Part two

[stephenk]

I saw that dmage at roma street yesterday just alot of sedimaent had been washed down.CAn anyone tell me what the works are today on the cleveland line because they cant possibly be maintenence as this is the 12th time this year

If you look on Translink's website...
http://servicechanges.translink.com.au/db/servicechange.php?id=226
...it say's that it is scheduled track works.

Generally, only a few km on track can be replaced per weekend. There may also be other infrastructure work taking place as well. Thus it is no surprise that there would have to be many weekend closures.

Also Mario, whilst I don't mean to cause offence, can you please read over you posts and make corrections before posting. If I wished to read such gobbledygook, I would work as a primary school teacher.

[ozbob]

4am November 24  http://www.citytrain.com.au

Ipswich -----Rosewood Services

Citytrain Customers are advised that Train Services on the City ---Ipswich ---Rosewood Lines are
Running as per Time Table again as of 9.00pm Sunday 23rd Nov.

[ozbob]

From TransLink http://www.transinfo.qld.gov.au/

CityCat and CityFerry services will resume Tuesday morning however services will be suspended after 6pm on Tuesday evening. Shuttle bus services will operate approximately every 20 minutes until 8pm to Bulimba and Hawthorne terminals.