The big wet ...

[ozbob]

At Oxley,  trains so far on time essentially.  Plan to catch the 6.25am service (the 5.55am ex IPS).

Any observations fron network  please post.   The 7.14 am Lota service ex Bowen Hills has been cancelled due to train fault.

[ozbob]

The 6.12 am  ex Oxley EMU 84 leading 2 minutes late ...  estimate 400 pax.

[ozbob]

Onboard SMU 207,  estimate 350 pax.  Sure beats driving in the road mess out there!

Ease the strain take a train.

[ozbob]

http://servicechanges.translink.com.au/db/servicechange.php?id=383

Bribie Island bus services cancelled - effective 20 May 2009

All Bribie Island bus services have been cancelled due to the flooding at Bellara, Banksia Beach and on connecting roads through to Caboolture.

Passengers will be returned to their original stops, however school children will be returned to the depot at Armitage Street, Bongaree and the operator is working with schools to inform parents.

It is likely that all Bribie Island bus services will remain cancelled today however please continue to check the website for updates.

[ozbob]

Water still rising north coast.  Chance that line could be closed if water continues to rise at present rate, about 50mm per hour at King John Creek between CAB/Elimbah.

Floods cut Bruce Hwy

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Police urge motorists to stay off roads

Police urge motorists to stay off roads

Daniel Hurst
May 20, 2009 - 9:53AM

Brisbane motorists have endured lengthy commutes this morning as flash flooding forced numerous road closures and created dangerous driving conditions.

Police today urged people to limit non-essential travel because of the heavy rain.

The warning comes amid news of numerous road closures in Brisbane in addition to the closure of southbound lanes on the Bruce Highway at Caboolture.

Commuters on Brisbane's southside are facing diversions due to flooding on Manly Road between New Cleveland Road and Castlerea Street at Tingalpa.

Traffic is being diverted along Wondall Road, Bognor Road and then onto Wynnum Road.

Police have also urged motorists to drive with extreme caution on Rickertt Road at Ransome due to water on the road.

Authorities have closed Avalon Road between Mount Cotton and Summit roads at Sheldon, on Brisbane's bayside, where flooding and a fallen tree have created traffic hazards.

The Traffic Management Centre says other flood-affected roads in Brisbane include Paradise Road at Acacia Ridge, Paradise Road at Pallara, Rafting Ground Rd at Brookfield, Beenleigh Road at Kuraby, Melton Road at Nundah, Telegraph Road at Bracken Ridge, Young's Crossing Road at Petrie, Annerley Road at Annerley and On Gympie Road at Bald Hills.

Gap Creek Road at Kenmore Hills is also flood-affected, as is Anzac Avenue at Mango Hill and Lytton Road at Murarrie.

A traffic incident on the Riverside Expressway inbound has created traffic snarls with motorists facing congestion on the Pacific Motorway back to the Esher Street overpass.

The left westbound lane of the Warrego Highway has also been closed.

Some Bribie Island bus services have also been interrupted because of the local flooding this morning at Bellara and Banksia Beach and some school children are unable to get to school.

Children were being returned to the bus depot and parents were being advised, Translink said this morning.

Affected bus routes also include services to Caboolture from Bribie Island. They are routes 640 (Bribie to Caboolture) and local Bribie Island Routes 641, 642 and 643.

Translink advised this morning that bus commuters would be returned to their original stops.

School children would be returned to the depot at Armitage Street, Bongaree, and the operator was working with schools to inform parents, Translink said.

Some services across the Sunshine Coast are also experiencing some minor delays due to flooding.

Check www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30 for further details.

- with Tony Moore

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Floods cut Bruce Highway at Caboolture as more rain on way

Floods cut Bruce Highway at Caboolture as more rain on way
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Leanne Edmistone, Rod Chester and Robyn Ironside

May 20, 2009 06:00am

LATEST: FLOODING has cut the Bruce Highway and more than 50 roads across Greater Brisbane as rainfalls of up to 300mm drench the region.

Emergency crews have had to rescue at least five cars which were driven into rising floodwaters.

There were three rescuees from cars in the Glasshouse Montains since 6am. The drivers all  managed to get out safely.

The Bruce Highway is cut between the Pumicestone Road overpass and the Bribie Island overpass in the Lagoon Creek area.

No traffic is moving through this area and all motorists heading south are advised to delay their travel.

The north bound lanes are open but traffic is moving very slowly. There are reports of water on the northbound lanes near the weighbridge at Burpengary.

There is also extensive local flooding in the Caboolture area and many local roads are closed.

Further to this, a traffic hazard is causing delays on Peachester Road in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland after a piece of road broke away, motorists are advised to proceed with caution.

Traffic on the Pacific Motorway has come to a virtual standstill after a car broke down on the Captain Cook Bridge. Traffic is back to the Esher Street overpass.

Flooded roads

Police have also closed Melton Road at Nundah on Brisbane's northside, where a car has broken down in floodwaters.

Other roads that have gone under include:

Gympie Road near South Pine Road at Bald Hills

Telegraph Road between Lacey and Norris Road at Bracken Ridge

Rafting Ground Road at Brookfield.

Annerley Road between Palmerston Street and Carville Street in Annerley is flooded.

Morayfield Rd at Burpengary because of flooding at Burpengary Creek.

Gap Creek Rd in Kenmore is flooded, motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Bowhill Road at Inala and Paradise Road at Pallara are also experiencing localised flooding.

Tamborine Oxenford Rd in Wongawallan is flooded.

Anzac Ave near Kinsellas Road in Mango Hills is flooded.

Right lane of the Ipswich Motorway outbound near Six Mile Creek, Redbank.

Manly Road between New Cleveland Road and Castlerea Street at Tingalpa road is closed due to flooding. Traffic is being diverted along Wondall Road, Bognor Road and then onto Wynnum Road.

Avalon Road between Mount Cotton and Summit roads at Sheldon is closed due to flooding and a tree has fallen across the road causing a further hazard.

Buses delayed

TransLink has been advised that some Bribie Island bus services have been halted due to flooding at Bellara, Banksia Beach and connecting roads through to Caboolture.

The services currently affected include Routes 640 (Bribie to Caboolture) and local Bribie Island Routes 641 and 642.

Commuters will be returned to their original stops, however school children will be returned to the depot at Armitage St, Bongaree and the operator is working with schools to inform parents.

Power outages

Strong winds cut power to about 8200 homes and businesses across Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine coasts overnight and about 471 remained without power this morning.

An Energex spokesman said this included about 200 homes and businesses in Bribie Island where flooded roads was making gaining access to fallen powerlines difficult.

Woodford, Connondale, Brisbane Valley and Cleveland were also affected.

He said the weather conditions meant it was likely more outages would be experienced today and tomorrow, and asked all customers to be patient.

The spokesman said rising floodwaters were a potential danger to underground power systems and asked customers to report any damage or imminent damage to 131962.

Strong winds until Friday and dangerous seas

The heavy rains will continue until at least until Friday, with strong winds and dangerous seas expected to develop overnight.

Bureau of Meterology senior forecaster Tony Wedd said that as the strong upper low bringing the rain moves towards the coast, a surface low was expected to develop in coastal areas bringing extreme weather conditions.

Perseverance Dam receiving 20mm and Cressbrook 19mm.

Mr Wedd said winds of up to 90-100kmh were expected in exposed southern coastal areas, creating six to seven metres seas at their highest and the risk of heavy beach erosion.

"Conditions will be particularly dangerous and we're recommending people stay out of the water," he said.

He said the winds were expected to pick up overnight and tomorrow, but the rain should ease into the weekend as the upper low moves out to sea.

A severe weather warning remains current for south east coastal areas.

Heavy rains up to 285mm

The heaviest rainfall overnight has been in the coastal areas between Maroochydore and Redcliffe.

Beerburrum has had 286.2mm in the 24 hours to 6am. Redcliffehad 136mm, Double Island Point 106mm, Nambour109.2mm, Tewantin 81.6mm, Brisbane Airport 81.4mm, Maroochydore74.8mm, and Brisbane City 71.4mm.

Elsewhere, Archerfield 62.8mm, Bundaberg 53mm, Maryborough 42mm, Amberley 40.2mm,
Jimna 40.2mm, Gympie 37.8mm, Oakey 34.2mm, Dalby 26.6mm, Gatton 24.4mm, Gold Coast Seaway 21.8mm, and Cooloongatta 3.4mm.


Areas of minor to moderate flooding developed overnight in the smaller Sunshine Coast streams. River levels in the Maroochy River system are starting to steady as the rainfall eases.

Rises and moderate flooding will continue in the Mooloolah River during today and higher levels are possible if further heavy rainfall is recorded in the catchment.

Minor flooding has developed in the upper Stanley River around Peachester and moderate flooding is expected downstream at Woodford during this morning, which si good news for the Wivenhoe Dam.

Moderate flooding is expected to peak in Burpengary Creek at Dale Street in the next few hours.

The heavy rainfall in the Pine River catchment in the last 6 hours has caused
rises and minor flooding at Petrie with levels expected to ease slowly with the
falling tide.

Emergency services working hard


State Emergency Services received 60 calls overnight from people whose homes were damaged in the storm, with a flurry of 14 calls coming in between 8am and 9am.


The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood warnings for the next two days, in an area from Noosa to the Queensland-New South Wales border and extending inland to the ranges.

Festival postponed

Brisbane's Greek Festival Paniyiri has been postponed because of the bad weather. It was   due to take place this weekend.

Rain quenches parched Darling Downs

The overnight rain follows a day of wild weather in the southeast that extended to the drought-hit eastern Darling Downs received some useful rain, with Toowoomba's parched

SEQWater spokesman Chris Zipf said Brisbane's three dams were taking small flows.

"We need about 50mm to wet and prime the catchments and this rain overnight got us off to a good start," Mr Zipf said.

"If the predicted rain continues, it should translate into a pretty good position for the dams."

Combined Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine dam levels late yesterday were 59.28 per cent and rising.

Water restrictions to continue

But despite the possibility of reaching the 60 per cent trigger for the easing of water restrictions, southeast Queenslanders will remain on limited use for up to six months.

The Queensland Water Commission yesterday opted to keep current Target 200 restrictions in place for up to six months, or until December 1, regardless of dam levels.

Residents had been in line for an extra 30 litres of water a day.

Acting Natural Resources Minister Geoff Wilson said the postponement of Target 230 would provide Queensland with a comfortable buffer in case of emergency.

"We're wanting to balance the good work that everyone has done in reducing their per capita consumption of water, with the challenge of making sure that we leave a lasting impact in the community of the importance to save water," Mr Wilson said.

With winds expected to increase significantly today, Energex general manager of energy delivery, Bill Lyon, warned of possible power interruptions.

Severe weather cut power cut to 2500 homes and businesses in Logan, Moorooka, Manly, Sherwood, Corinda and the Lockyer Valley early yesterday.

"We're urging anyone who sees powerlines down to keep themselves and others clear and call Energex on 131 962." he said. Rain will continue tomorrow, reducing to showers on Friday.

[ozbob]

A Google Map of the floods click here!

[Fridge]

The 649 Railbus has been cancelled for the rest of the day

[ozbob]

Ferny Grove Line : Disruptions between Ferny Grove and Keperra
20 May 2009

Disruptions on Ferny Grove Line between Ferny Grove and Keperra due to extreme weather. Expect 1 hr delay. Service to resume by 3:00 PM.

Ipswich/Rosewood Line : Disruptions between Gailes and Wacol
20 May 2009

Disruptions on Ipswich/Rosewood Line between Gailes and Wacol due to extreme weather. Expect 1 hr delay. Service to resume by 3:00 PM.

http://www.citytrain.com.au/

[ozbob]

Further to Fridge's report on the 649 RailBus

Rail Service Disruptions
QR has advised that the RailBus service between Caboolture and Nambour has been cancelled due to water on the road, however all scheduled rail services are still operating on the North Coast line.

http://www.citytrain.com.au/

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Commuters face nightmare afternoon

Commuters face nightmare afternoon
Tony Moore
May 20, 2009 - 2:45PM

Commuters across South-East Queensland can expect lengthy delays this afternoon as wild weather continues to batter the region.

Several roads have been closed, while public transport is also experiencing extensive problems.

The Ipswich and Ferny Grove rail lines are partially blocked as the impact of this morning's heavy rains hits bus and train routes.

Rail inspectors are now assessing the situation at other stations.

- Train services

Water is covering tracks at several locations between Ipswich and Wacol, while no trains are running west of Ipswich. Alternative bus services are being arranged.

The rail line between Keperra and Ferny Grove is also inundated.

The RailBus service between Caboolture and Nambour has been cancelled. However, all scheduled rail services are still operating on the North Coast line.

- Bus services

Bus services are also experiencing disruptions, particularly in Brisbane's northern and western suburbs, according to Brisbane Transport.

Some of the routes temporarily diverted are routes 330 (Bracken Ridge), 362 (The Gap/Keperra), 454 (Fig Tree Pocket) and 435/436 (Kenmore).

Bribie Island Bus Service has advised that route 640 will be diverted via Old Toorbul Point Road, and routes 641, 642 and 643 will resume normal services subject to road conditions.

Kangaroo Bus Lines (Caboolture region) has advised that route 660 is terminating at Morayfield shops and route 664 is temporarily terminated until floodwaters recedes.

Veolia Bus Company (Redlands region) is diverting routes 243, 240 and 255 on police advice due to flooding.

All Kangaroo Bus Lines and Veolia Bus Company school services will operate as normal and any students not able to get home will be retruned to depots for parents to collect.

Logan City Bus Service has advised that routes 550, 560, 552 and 562 are being diverted due to flooding.

Sunshine Coast Sunbus route 610 has been diverted onto the new Maroochy Road.

Busways

There was some minor flooding at the King George Square Busway, but all regular services are proceeding. Customers should check the service monitors at the entrance for any change of platforms.

Also, the planned closure of the Buranda Busway station will no longer go ahead this weekend due to the wet weather.

Cycleways

The Bicentennial Bikeway which runs along Coronation Drive is also closed due to a fallen tree.

[ozbob]

At Central,  Ipswich line reopened under speed restrictions.

Ferny Grove still closed between Keperra and FG, bus in lieu.

Damn good effort under the circumstances, few trains late etc. but to be expected.
North coast still fine.

[ozbob]

On board ImU 170,  Redbank flyer ....  go gates all  out at Central!

[ozbob]

Short delay at Auchenflower, on the move again. Slow speed,  BT bus stuck under bridge just before Indooroopilly!

[Arnz]

NCL is operating as normal.  I boarded the 3:53pm Caboolture to Nambour service this afternoon operated by IMU103 (or 102, can't remember).  However, it is a very different scenery with flooding in some places! 

The 3:53pm service is usually advertised as an ICE, but is more often operated by 3-car IMUs with the odd 6-car EMU/SMU every now and again.

[Mozz]

Lost power here at Oxley at 5.15pm   could be interesting trying to rustle up some dinner.....

[ozbob]

You can come up to my place for tea if you want Mozz.  Still got juice here ..

Commuters face nightmare afternoon

Updated
From Brisbanetimes click here!

Commuters face nightmare afternoon
Tony Moore
May 20, 2009 - 5:25PM

Commuters across South-East Queensland can expect lengthy delays this afternoon as wild weather continues to batter the region.

A large number of roads have been closed due to flooding. These include Lutwyche Road at Windsor near the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital.

Traffic travelling along the Inner City Bypass cannot turn left at the Herston exit, while traffic on Gregory Terrace will not be able to turn right on to Lutwyche Road.

Police have put up diversions, but are asking drivers to avoid Lutwyche Road in this location.

The Ipswich Motorway at Goodna, meanwhile, is now moving slowly towards Brisbane.

Public transport is also suffering seriously due to the severe weather.

The Ipswich and Ferny Grove rail lines are partially blocked and rail inspectors are now assessing the situation at other stations.

Trains are now running between Ipswich and Wacol after earlier being closed due to water on the tracks. No trains are running west of Ipswich and alternative bus services are being arranged.

The rail line between Keperra and Ferny Grove is inundated, and bus services are transporting commuters between the locations.

There are lengthy waits on the Cleveland line, after a medical emergency at Cannon Hill contributed to weather-related delays.

The RailBus service between Caboolture and Nambour has been cancelled. However, all scheduled rail services are still operating on the North Coast line.

Go Card readers are out of order at Brisbane 's central station after they were tripped by a fire alarm just before 3pm.

- Bus services

Bus services are also experiencing disruptions, particularly in Brisbane's northern and western suburbs, according to Brisbane Transport.

Some of the routes temporarily diverted are routes 330 (Bracken Ridge), 362 (The Gap/Keperra), 454 (Fig Tree Pocket) and 435/436 (Kenmore).

Bribie Island Bus Service has advised that route 640 will be diverted via Old Toorbul Point Road, and routes 641, 642 and 643 will resume normal services subject to road conditions.

Kangaroo Bus Lines (Caboolture region) has advised that route 660 is terminating at Morayfield shops and route 664 is temporarily terminated until floodwaters recedes.

Veolia Bus Company (Redlands region) is diverting routes 243, 240 and 255 on police advice due to flooding.

All Kangaroo Bus Lines and Veolia Bus Company school services will operate as normal and any students not able to get home will be retruned to depots for parents to collect.

Logan City Bus Service has advised that routes 550, 560, 552 and 562 are being diverted due to flooding.

Sunshine Coast Sunbus route 610 has been diverted onto the new Maroochy Road.

Busways

There was some minor flooding at the King George Square Busway, but all regular services are proceeding. Customers should check the service monitors at the entrance for any change of platforms.

Also, the planned closure of the Buranda Busway station will no longer go ahead this weekend due to the wet weather.

Cycleways

The Bicentennial Bikeway which runs along Coronation Drive is also closed due to a fallen tree.

City Cats

Travelling at reduced speed because of dangers from debris flowing out from creeks. They are taking particular care where Breakfast Creek enters the Brisbane River.

[ozbob]

http://www.citytrain.com.au/

CBD Line : Delays
20 May 2009

15 mins delay for services on CBD Line due to extreme weather. Service to resume by 8:00 PM.

[ozbob]

Extract from Lord Mayor Brisbane Newsletter 20th May 2009

Following the wettest 24 hour period in over 20 years, a number of areas are experiencing road closures and flooding.

Between 187 to 257mm of rain has fallen in the western suburbs, 160 to 240mm in the Northern suburbs and 120 to 140mm in the South and Eastern suburbs.

For a full list of affected roads and areas, click here. Traffic cams of major roads can also be viewed here.

A number of public  transport services have also been affected.

Due to the rain and road conditions, bus services to the Gap,  Bellbowrie and Moggil will change - the 380, 381 and 385 services will now terminate at West Ashgrove and the 444 service will terminate at Kenmore Village.

CityCats services will also experience delays. In particular, they will be travelling slowly around the Bulimba area to avoid floating debris coming out of Breakfast Creek.

Translink has a full list of affected services here  or for further information, contact them on 13 12 30.

[ozbob]

http://servicechanges.translink.com.au/db/servicechange.php?id=383

Service disruptions due to flooding - effective 20 May 2009

There are a number of bus and train service delays as a result of flooding, with the following service changes/diversions in place - as at 4.48pm Wednesday 20 May 2009.

Bus services

Brisbane Region services

There are several bus service disruptions and diversions in place, particularly in Brisbane?s north and west suburbs. Some of the routes which are being temporarily diverted are routes 330 (Bracken Ridge), 362 (The Gap/Keperra), 454 (Fig Tree Pocket) and 435/436 (Kenmore).

King George Square busway station is open, however passengers should check the monitors at the station for any platform changes. In particular, passengers for routes 444, 443, 385 and 345 are being directed to alternative stops 1f, 1d and 1c.

Also, the planned closure of the Buranda busway station will no longer go ahead this weekend due to the wet weather.

Northern Region services

Bribie Island Coaches route 640 is travelling via Old Toorbul Point Road.

Caboolture Bus Lines route 651 is not running past Caboolture and route 652 to Beechmere have been cancelled.

Kangaroo Bus Lines (Caboolture region) route 660 is terminating at Morayfield shops and route 664 is operating on alternative roads around the localised flooding. All school services will operate as normal and any students not able to get home will be brought back to the depots for parents to collect.

Route 649 RailBus between Caboolture and Nambour stations has been cancelled for the rest of the day, however all scheduled rail services are still operating on the North Coast line.

Eastern Region services

Veolia Bus Company (Redlands region) is diverting routes 243, 240 and 255. All school services will operate as normal and any students not able to get home will be brought back to the depots for parents to collect.

Southern Region services

Logan City Bus Service routes 550, 560, 552 and 562 are being diverted when required.


Sunshine Coast Region services

Route 610 is travelling via the new Maroochy Road.

Train services

Some train services will be cancelled during afternoon peak due to the impact of the wet weather.

Ferny Grove line - passengers need to use replacement buses between Keperra and Ferny Grove for at least the remainder of this afternoon and again tomorrow morning peak. Check the website for any updates.

Ipswich line - services have resumed at Wacol.

Route 649 RailBus between Caboolture and Nambour stations has been cancelled for the rest of the day, however all scheduled rail services are still operating on the North Coast line.

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
20/05/2009

Bligh declares SEQ flood Disaster

The Premier Anna Bligh has activated disaster relief funding for flooded areas in south east Queensland, after rain lashed the region over the past 24 hours.

The Premier said that joint State and Commonwealth-funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) operated from 6pm tonight.

The declared Disaster area takes in Sunshine Coast councils south to, and including, the Gold Coast and west to, and including, Toowoomba Regional Council.

The Premier briefed the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd late this afternoon on the disaster.

She told him that she had been advised that the weather could get worse before it gets better.

"I am calling on residents to bunker down and be prepared," she said.

"I again ask motorists to exercise extreme caution and to remain patient.

"Now more than ever motorists must be careful on our roads."

Under the joint Commonwealth and federally funded NDRRA activation, individuals can apply for a number of different personal hardship grants, which include $165 per person and up to $765 per family for directly impacted residents who have been unable to recover via their own means.

Mean-tested essential Household Contents Grants are also be available for some residents.

This can be up to $1,635 for an individual applicant, or $4,910 for a couple or family.

If any residents did suffer personal hardship as a result of the flooding, they could apply to the Department of Communities for assistance, on 1800 173 349.

==============================================================

[stephenk]

I'm doing a different commute to usual this week which is proving interesting. The 07:28 from Enoggera was 9 mins late upon arrival at Park Road today - no crew announcements as per usual.

My return journey saw the Mitchelton train (16:57 from Central) cancelled, creating a 26 min service gap for commuters to Windsor-Gaythorne (an improvement on the previous day!). This cancellation wasn't mentioned on Citytrain's website.

Given the extreme weather, I can't complain too much about CityTrain's service, which was still better than I was expecting today.

[Fares_Fair]

QR deserves a pat on the back for getting us home tonight on the North Coast line.

With widespread flooding cutting roads, the advantage of the rail network being above the flood was good.
We were about 12 minutes late but under the circumstances created by the weather - it was nice to get home.

Well done and thank you QR. 

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[ButFli]

Jumped the 7:45PM 411 from the City this evening. On time running all the way to SL. Good job BT!

[Sunbus610]

Just to add to the wet weather problems today, there were apparently points problems this evening at Northgate station around 6pm according to the SM announcements at my station.

[Derwan]

Going past Toombul today - the work site for the new tunnel was totally flooded, as was the nearby cycle/walk way.  Between Nudgee and Boondall, only the rail lines were above the water, with both sides resembling an inland sea.

Train ran on time though.

[Sunbus610]

With this arvos flooding, I'd imagined route 610 (Sunshine Coast Sunbus) would of pretty much ran express from Kunda Park to almost the Bruce Hwy interchange as there isn't really any places for buses to pull over and pick up passengers nor is the really good access for them onto this new (raised) section of Maroochydore Road.

[Sunbus610]

A train sits at Ferny Grove station today stranded by damaged track over Kedron Brook.

[ozbob]

Great photo Sunbus610!

Ferny Grove re-opened as of 8am 21 May 2009!!

Great work QR!!

[ozbob]

http://servicechanges.translink.com.au/db/servicechange.php?id=383

Service disruptions due to flooding - effective 21 May 2009

There are a number of bus, train and ferry service delays as a result of flooding, with the following service changes/diversions in place - as at 9.10am Thursday 21 May 2009.

Bus services

Brisbane Region services

There are several bus service disruptions and diversions in place, particularly in Brisbane?s north and west suburbs.

Some of the routes which are being temporarily diverted include routes:

    * 300, 301 (Toombul)
    * 435, 436 (Indooroopilly Kenmore) due to flooding at Rafting Ground Road.
    * 100 (Forest Lake) with minor diversions near Blunder Road, Oxley.
    * 335, 336, 346 and 353 with minor diversions around the corner of Newmarket and Lutwyche Roads.

King George Square busway station platforms 1A, 1B and 1C will continue to be closed today. Temporary stops are as follows:

    * 66 and 111 to depart from stop 1E
    * 345, 385, 443 and 444 to depart from stop 1F

Please note, the planned closure of the Buranda busway station will no longer go ahead this weekend due to the wet weather.

Northern Region services

Caboolture Bus Lines route 652 is currently not operating due to flooding at Beachmere. Services should return to normal when high tide abates.

Bribie Island Coaches - all services are running with some minor diversions and consequent timetable issues.


Sunshine Coast Region services

Sunbus route 610 is travelling via the new Maroochy Road and route 609 is currently being diverted around Golden Beach due to flooding.


Train services

The Ferny Grove line which had been closed between Keperra and Ferny Grove due to flood damage, reopened at 8.15am today with speed restrictions. 

All other rail services are running this morning, however there have been delays on a number of lines.


Ferry services

CityCat and ferry services are experiencing delays and will not be operating to normal timeable until further notice. The vessels are operating at reduced speed to avoid debris in the river.

[ozbob]

Brisbane's CityCat services will stop after dark this evening to reduce the chance of collisions with flood debris.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25515834-952,00.html

[ozbob]

Message from Lord Mayor Campbell Newman

Important message about CityCat services

Brisbane City Council advises all CityCat and ferry services will be cancelled from sunset today due to the risk of vessels colliding with debris floating in the Brisbane river.

The cancellation of the CityCat and ferry services is essential to uphold the safety of passengers and operational staff.
Final CityCat services are as follows (please note: these are approximate times to ensure passenger safety and are subject to river conditions):

Downstream from Riverside Terminal
? Final service from 4.30pm

Upstream from Riverside Terminal
? Final service from 4.17pm

Upstream from Apollo Road
? Final service from 3.45pm

Downstream from UQ
? Final service from 3.45pm

Final City ferry (non-CityCat) services will cease operations at 5pm.  Passengers should ensure they board services in order to reach their destination prior to 5pm.

Limited replacement bus services will run on weekdays in the am and pm peak periods, between the CBD locations of Riverside and North Quay, to and from Mowbray Park, Hawthorn and Bulimba CityCat terminals.

Further information about replacement bus service timetables will be available at CityCat terminals. At this stage, the services have been cancelled indefinately. Further assessment of whether to continue each service will be made daily until the all clear is given to resume normal services.

Any commuters who intend to travel by CityCat or ferry today are advised to check www.translink.com.au or by phoning 131 230.

Please forward this message to anybody you know who may use CityCat services.

[ozbob]

http://servicechanges.translink.com.au/db/servicechange.php?id=383#ferry

Ferry services

CityCat and CityFerry services are cancelled until further notice.

Inbound services

Riverside and North Quay passengers

TransLink will operate shuttle buses from 6am to 9am Friday, departing Bulimba terminal and stopping at:

    * Norman Park ferry terminal, Wynnum Park
    * Opposite Mowbray Park (stop 14)
    * East Brisbane Bowls Club, Lytton Road

Services will operate on a continuous loop, approximately every 30 minutes until 9am.

Shuttle buses will set down passengers at All Hallows, Riverside Centre and QUT Alice Street.

Alternatively passengers can also use normal Brisbane Transport services to get to their destination. Please use the journey planner.

Bus services

Brisbane Transport

There are several bus service disruptions and diversions in place, particularly in Brisbane?s north and west suburbs.

Some of the routes which are being temporarily diverted include routes:

    * 435, 436 (Indooroopilly, Kenmore) due to flooding at Rafting Ground Road
    * 100 (Forest Lake) due to Brookfield Road being reduced to one lane.

Please note, the planned closure of the Buranda busway station will no longer go ahead this weekend due to the wet weather.

[ozbob]

http://servicechanges.translink.com.au/db/servicechange.php?id=383#ferry

Ferry services

CityCat and CityFerry services will are cancelled until further notice due to the risk of vessels colliding with debris in the river.

CityCat and CityFerry services will not operate on Monday 25 May 2009.

Inbound and outbound shuttle buses will operate during peak times (weekdays only) as follows:

Inbound services

TransLink will operate shuttle buses from 6am to 9am, departing Bulimba terminal and stopping at:

    * Hawthorne ferry terminal
    * Norman Park ferry terminal, Wynnum Park
    * Opposite Mowbray Park (stop 14)
    * East Brisbane Bowls Club, Lytton Road

Services will operate on a continuous loop, approximately every 30 minutes until 9am.

Shuttle buses will set down passengers at All Hallows, Riverside Centre and QUT Alice Street.

Alternatively passengers can also use normal Brisbane Transport services to get to their destination. Please use the journey planner.

Outbound services

    * Riverside passengers

      Shuttle buses will operate from 4.30pm to 8pm, departing Riverside Centre (stop 152 Eagle Street) and stopping at:
          o stop 95 Alice Street (QUT Gardens Point)
          o stop 12/14 'East Brisbane Bowls' Lytton Road (Mowbray Park)
          o Hawthorne terminal (Lindsay Street at Gordon Street)
          o Bulimba terminal, Oxford Street


    * North Quay passengers

      Shuttle buses from 4.30pm to 8pm, departing Queens Wharf Road, North Quay and stopping at:
          o stop 12/14 'East Brisbane Bowls' Lytton Road (Mowbray Park)
          o Hawthorne (Lindsay Street at Gordon Street)
          o Oxford Street, Bulimba and return to North Quay.

Services will operate on a continuous loop, approximately every 30 minutes until 8pm.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

CityCat services remain on hold

CityCat services remain on hold
Daniel Hurst
May 24, 2009 - 6:39PM

Brisbane commuters face another day without CityCat services after authorities discovered large logs, tree trunks, car tyres and a gas cylinder floating in the Brisbane River.

Brisbane City Council last week suspended its CityCat and CityFerry services after wild weather and flash flooding pushed dangerous debris into the river.

A TransLink spokeswoman confirmed the services would remain out of operation when commuters returned to work this week.

She said shuttle bus services would again be available to help transport stranded passengers.

Brisbane City Council and Maritime Safety Queensland officers found it was still unsafe to restore the services when they inspected the river this morning.

A council statement said officers had found several large logs and tree trunks more than five metres long, horse jumps and other equestrian-related items, car tyres and wheel rims, road block equipment, an aluminium fuel tank and a 9kg gas cylinder.

The statement said officers would continue clean-up operations to allow a return to normal services "as soon as possible''.

The council apologised for any inconvenience and promised to re-assess the situation regularly ...