Station Upgrades

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Half baked railway station upgrades

15th June 2020

Good morning,

With respect to the East Ipswich railway station upgrade.  It was reported by the Queensland Times on the 24th June 2019 ' Ipswich's newest train station officially announced ' that platforms would be fully raised. This was the correct thing to do.

Now, as reported in the Queensland Times 12th June 2020 ' Station set for works on upgrade ' the fully raised platforms at East Ipswich station have been changed to ' raised platforms at assisted boarding points '.  This is just raising the centre part of the platforms, so called humps. This is treating Ipswich poorly, again.  Most of the platform length will remain low height and prolongs dwell times for the train at stations, makes it difficult for mobility impaired to board and exit the trains, and increases the risk of slips and falls.

The effect of low level platforms on the on-time running performance of Queensland Rail Citytrain services has been indirectly demonstrated with the analysis of the April 2020 on-time running data.  Due to COVID-19 passenger numbers fell significantly and we saw the best on-time running performance ever for Citytrain services across the board ( https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=13941.0 ).

Transport Minister Bailey needs to explain why there has been this change with respect to East Ipswich station upgrade and why full height full length platforms are not the standard for all station upgrades.  Half baked solutions have long term consequences.

Do it once, do it right please. Local MPs need to do better than accepting failed solutions.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1272228056900358144

[BrizCommuter]

Enoggera also recently had the platform raised in the centre only. The job looks quite "temporary" as well.

[ozbob]

I have been advised via my local MPs office that the report that indicated partial platform raising for East Ipswich was incorrect.

Details as specified https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Pages/East-Ipswich-station-upgrade.aspx correct!

[SurfRail]

Good.

Still doesn't explain why they have given up on that requirement going forward - for instance I'm fairly sure the CRR Fairfield to Salisbury upgrades will not be full height other than for any brand new third platforms.

[ozbob]

They will be raised.

https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/

" ... A third platform will be added to these stations and the heights of the existing platforms raised to accommodate the NGR (New Generation Rollingstock) trains which will travel through Cross River Rail's twin tunnels. ... "

[Golliwog]

They will be raised.

https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/

" ... A third platform will be added to these stations and the heights of the existing platforms raised to accommodate the NGR (New Generation Rollingstock) trains which will travel through Cross River Rail's twin tunnels. ... "

This out today: https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/yeerongpilly-station/

Station features

Features of the Yeerongpilly station include:

    an additional third platform
    an upgrade to the platform finish
    provision for accessible car parking within the existing car park
    provision for Kiss 'n' Ride car parking
    a new canopy on the platform, to improve weather protection
    improved access to the platforms.

Nothing mentioned about platform raising.

[ozbob]

I asked the Minister on facebook a while back and he said they will be full height full length, as per the current information at CRR.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

15th June 2020

Re: Half baked railway station upgrades

Greetings,

I have been advised that East Ipswich will have full length full height platforms as originally indicated and as detailed here > https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Pages/East-Ipswich-station-upgrade.aspx

However we should strive hard to ensure ALL station upgrades have full height full length platforms for the reasons stated previously.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

Half baked railway station upgrades

15th June 2020

Good morning,

With respect to the East Ipswich railway station upgrade.  It was reported by the Queensland Times on the 24th June 2019 ' Ipswich's newest train station officially announced ' that platforms would be fully raised. This was the correct thing to do.

Now, as reported in the Queensland Times 12th June 2020 ' Station set for works on upgrade ' the fully raised platforms at East Ipswich station have been changed to ' raised platforms at assisted boarding points '.  This is just raising the centre part of the platforms, so called humps. This is treating Ipswich poorly, again.  Most of the platform length will remain low height and prolongs dwell times for the train at stations, makes it difficult for mobility impaired to board and exit the trains, and increases the risk of slips and falls.

The effect of low level platforms on the on-time running performance of Queensland Rail Citytrain services has been indirectly demonstrated with the analysis of the April 2020 on-time running data.  Due to COVID-19 passenger numbers fell significantly and we saw the best on-time running performance ever for Citytrain services across the board ( https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=13941.0 ).

Transport Minister Bailey needs to explain why there has been this change with respect to East Ipswich station upgrade and why full height full length platforms are not the standard for all station upgrades.  Half baked solutions have long term consequences.

Do it once, do it right please. Local MPs need to do better than accepting failed solutions.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[kram0]

The first thing I noticed was 'an upgrade to platform surface' and started to shake my head and wondered, ' could the government really be that stupid to do this'? Answer yes.....

Worth checking with the minister again to triple check. I don't trust them.

[ozbob]

^

Sent 16th June 2020

TO: info@crossriverrail.qld.gov.au
CC: community@crossriverrail.qld.gov.au

Query on platform heights

Greetings,

We note that with respect to the stations Fairfield to Salisbury at https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/

" ... A third platform will be added to these stations and the heights of the existing platforms raised to accommodate the NGR (New Generation Rollingstock) trains which will travel through Cross River Rail's twin tunnels. ... "

The latest information on Yeerongpilly at https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/yeerongpilly-station/ only mentions an upgrade to the platform finish

"Features of the Yeerongpilly station include:
    an additional third platform
    an upgrade to the platform finish
    provision for accessible car parking within the existing car park
    provision for Kiss 'n' Ride car parking
    a new canopy on the platform, to improve weather protection
    improved access to the platforms. "

No mention of platform raising.  Can you please confirm that the upgraded stations including and between Fairfield and Salisbury will have full height full length platforms for all three platforms as per first reference?

Thanks.

Regards

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 16th June 2020 page 9

Station upgrades changed

[kram0]

With them cutting corners on stations, it makes me wonder what else they are cutting corners on......I have lost all faith in Bailey (not that I had much to start with). I hope he proves me wrong, but I doubt it.   

[BrizCommuter]

Lack of 4th track from Dutton Park to Salisbury is a huge mistake. The intermediate stations only needed 2 platforms for the local services.

[SurfRail]

At least there is room for quad all the way from Kuraby to Yeerongpilly.  I expect that should alleviate a fair amount of constraints, albeit it won't be as effective as 4-5 tracks originally planned.

In 20 years time my guess is train speeds south of Dutton Park will be no faster than they are now due to no improved alignment, increasing passenger volume, more trains being slotted in, new stations south of Beenleigh, and CRR only delivering marginal improvement on journey times to off-set that.

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 16th June 2020 page 9

Station upgrades changed

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 17th June 2020 page 9

Station upgrades correction

[ozbob]

^

Sent 16th June 2020

TO: info@crossriverrail.qld.gov.au
CC: community@crossriverrail.qld.gov.au

Query on platform heights

Greetings,

We note that with respect to the stations Fairfield to Salisbury at https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/

" ... A third platform will be added to these stations and the heights of the existing platforms raised to accommodate the NGR (New Generation Rollingstock) trains which will travel through Cross River Rail's twin tunnels. ... "

The latest information on Yeerongpilly at https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/yeerongpilly-station/ only mentions an upgrade to the platform finish

"Features of the Yeerongpilly station include:
    an additional third platform
    an upgrade to the platform finish
    provision for accessible car parking within the existing car park
    provision for Kiss 'n' Ride car parking
    a new canopy on the platform, to improve weather protection
    improved access to the platforms. "

No mention of platform raising.  Can you please confirm that the upgraded stations including and between Fairfield and Salisbury will have full height full length platforms for all three platforms as per first reference?

Thanks.

Regards

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

No response, not even an acknowledgement of receipt.

I will pursue this in the coming working week with the relevant Ministers.

Doesn't give one much confidence with such sloppy communications.

[kram0]

I spoke to someone today from the Unity Alliance and they have confirmed that all platforms will be full height/length from Fairfield to Salisbury (there part of the upgrade).

It would still be good to hear it in an official capacity however from Government.

[ozbob]

I spoke to someone today from the Unity Alliance and they have confirmed that all platforms will be full height/length from Fairfield to Salisbury (there part of the upgrade).

It would still be good to hear it in an official capacity however from Government.

Thanks.  I was told the same a few months ago as well.   But in view of the recent information worth checking.

What a sloppy outfit! 

[brissypete]

It appears from updates on CRR website and signage at Fairfield that works will start in the next week. It seems it will take 18 months to 2 years to complete the work at Fairfield. Seems a long time although guessing that keeping the station open adds a lot of time. While I don't catch the train much at present it's my local station so I'll be interested to observe the works.

Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

Response received from Cross River Rail Stakeholder Engagement Team

23rd June 2020

RE: Query on platform heights

Hi Robert,

Thank you for your email enquiry and we apologise for the delay in responding. Your email was found in the 'Junk' folder. We have now added your contact details to our address book to avoid this from occurring in the future.

As part of the Fairfield to Salisbury station upgrades, the height of the existing and new platforms will be raised to full height for the full length.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards

Stakeholder Engagement Team

Desk phone 1800 010 875

mail info@crossriverrail.qld.gov.au

crossriverrail.qld.gov.au

location

123 Albert Street | Brisbane Q 4000

====

Confirmed!

[kram0]

Excellent news.

I also heard yesterday the proposed plans will be uploaded to the CRR website for Yeronga Station within the next week or so.

[brissypete]

It appears the major works have commenced at Fairfield from today, from the CRR website I'd expected works over the weekend however nothing happened. This morning at 7:30am traffic control was in place on Equity Street. Couldn't look too much while cycling but will be interesting to observe progress. Apparently will take up to 2 years to complete, guess that's the price of working on an operating station.

Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

[kram0]

Yet more oversights. They have released further images of the Yeronga station upgrade and while they are now taking the pedestrian bridge to the western side of Fairfield Rd, there is no stairs or elevator to feed the eastern side. This is a massive problem as Yeronga's main car park is on the eastern side so everyone parking there cars, will have to cross Fairfield Rd, to then walk up the stairs or use the elevator.

Do these planners have any f&$ken brains at all?   

[Gazza]

Can you link to those images? I can only see ones from the Lake street side.

[kram0]

Go to the Mark Bailey MP FB page and they are on there. I always struggle to upload onto this platform due to image size unfortunately. 

[ozbob]

[BrizCommuter]

Yet more oversights. They have released further images of the Yeronga station upgrade and while they are now taking the pedestrian bridge to the western side of Fairfield Rd, there is no stairs or elevator to feed the eastern side. This is a massive problem as Yeronga's main car park is on the eastern side so everyone parking there cars, will have to cross Fairfield Rd, to then walk up the stairs or use the elevator.

Do these planners have any f&$ken brains at all?   

It's the smart state. Maybe it is to allow for the 4th track ;-)

[Gazza]

It might be because the footpath is so narrow?
You certainly couldnt fit a lift there.

[kram0]

Either way they need to come up with a solution as everyone using the main car park will have to cross busy Fairfield Road to access the station, whether via stairs or elevator.

I have left a message for the Minister to call me.

[BrizCommuter]

The design for Fairfield prevents a future 4th track. What a F up! Effectively counter peak combined CRR and via SB services will be limited to 24tph and slowed down between Dutton Park and Salisbury.  Effectively this means that CRR has no more benefit than the half baked "Cleveland Solution". 

[SurfRail]

^ BC - penny for your thoughts?  What if we end up with, hypothetically, 4 tracks (let's say including 4 platform faces at each station) from Yeerongpilly to Kuraby, a similar set up from a relocated Loganlea through to Bethania, and likewise at Beenleigh (allowing turnbacks on the middle 2 tracks).

That leaves 3 bi-di tracks from Dutton Park to Yeerongpilly, 2 tracks Kuraby to Loganlea and 2 tracks Bethania to Beenleigh approach. 

This avoids a lot of costly resumptions and would leverage off new station builds plus grade seps.  It's obviously still a kludge.

What kind of capacity could we wring out of this?

[Gazza]

Either way they need to come up with a solution as everyone using the main car park will have to cross busy Fairfield Road to access the station, whether via stairs or elevator.

I have left a message for the Minister to call me.

What, all 100 of them?

Re the counter peak and provisions for a 4th track.

How does it go if you combine GC expresses, beenleigh all stops, Salisbury terminators and clapham terminators?

In terms of provision for a 4th track. The reason for a lack of provision is simply a lack of space it appears.

Salibury can take it, Moorooka already has a 4th track.
Yeerongpilly can but they will need to change the track layout with the Tennyson junction.

Yeronga could fit a 4th track, but an actual platform will interfere with Fairfield rd and you'd have to do major works to fit it.

Fairfield cannot have a 4th track or platform without eating into Mildmay St.

[BrizCommuter]

Either way they need to come up with a solution as everyone using the main car park will have to cross busy Fairfield Road to access the station, whether via stairs or elevator.

I have left a message for the Minister to call me.

What, all 100 of them?

Re the counter peak and provisions for a 4th track.

How does it go if you combine GC expresses, beenleigh all stops, Salisbury terminators and clapham terminators?

In terms of provision for a 4th track. The reason for a lack of provision is simply a lack of space it appears.

Salibury can take it, Moorooka already has a 4th track.
Yeerongpilly can but they will need to change the track layout with the Tennyson junction.

Yeronga could fit a 4th track, but an actual platform will interfere with Fairfield rd and you'd have to do major works to fit it.

Fairfield cannot have a 4th track or platform without eating into Mildmay St.

This article explained the effect of the 3rd track depending on counter peak frequencies.
https://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2020/07/cross-river-rail-southside-bottleneck.html
At 24tph, it will delay counter-peak expresses by 6 minutes, and not allow consistent clock face timetables between counter-peak/off-peak. It will also limit counter-peak services through this stretch to 24tph, noting that trains cannot be turned back until Clapham Yard.

Yes, space is limited, though possible with some property resumptions. With an appropriate track layout only 2 platforms would have been needed (for the all stations services). Have a look at W of Camberwell in Melbourne to see how many tracks you can get in a narrow space! The problem is, a half-arsed job now will be a permanent achilles heel for CRR services and capacity on the GC/Been/Salis-Beaud Lines.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1283177768704864256

[verbatim9]

Couriermail.com.au---Cannon Hiill and Auchenflower Train Station Upgrades

FIRST LOOK: Auchenflower, Cannon Hill stations to be transformed
Multimillion-dollar makeovers to two high-traffic Brisbane train stations are set to begin in the coming weeks.

MULTIMILLION-dollar makeovers to two high-traffic Brisbane train stations are set to begin in the coming weeks.

Contracts for the $27 million Cannon Hill Station upgrade and the $40 million Auchenflower Station upgrade, part of the $5.3 billion Cross River Rail project, were awarded to John Holland Group on Tuesday.

Both projects will support 500 jobs as workers deliver new lifts, footbridges, bike enclosures and upgraded security features at the stations.

Platforms and car parks at both stations will also be overhauled.

The announcement follows the completion of 80 new car parks at Cannon Hill's train station.

Bulumba MP Di Farmer said the upgrades would ensure commuters of all abilities could use the station without any barriers.

"Around 250 jobs will be supported by the Cannon Hill station upgrade in construction, electrical, carpentry, plumbing and roofing," Ms Farmer said.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said construction was set to begin in August.

[Jonno]

Couriermail.com.au---Cannon Hiill and Auchenflower Train Station Upgrades

FIRST LOOK: Auchenflower, Cannon Hill stations to be transformed
Multimillion-dollar makeovers to two high-traffic Brisbane train stations are set to begin in the coming weeks.

MULTIMILLION-dollar makeovers to two high-traffic Brisbane train stations are set to begin in the coming weeks.

Contracts for the $27 million Cannon Hill Station upgrade and the $40 million Auchenflower Station upgrade, part of the $5.3 billion Cross River Rail project, were awarded to John Holland Group on Tuesday.

Both projects will support 500 jobs as workers deliver new lifts, footbridges, bike enclosures and upgraded security features at the stations.

Platforms and car parks at both stations will also be overhauled.

The announcement follows the completion of 80 new car parks at Cannon Hill's train station.

Bulumba MP Di Farmer said the upgrades would ensure commuters of all abilities could use the station without any barriers.

"Around 250 jobs will be supported by the Cannon Hill station upgrade in construction, electrical, carpentry, plumbing and roofing," Ms Farmer said.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said construction was set to begin in August.

What makes me frustrated (actually angry) at Cannon Hill is that the spent millions building a car park but the station upgrade provides no extra coverage for the passengers waiting for the train!! We looked after the cars not the passengers!!

[kram0]

Lets just hope they do a proper platform upgrade. Keep the pressure up.

[nathandavid88]

The QR station upgrade web pages for these station upgrades point to them having humps, rather than full raised platforms.

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Pages/Cannon-Hill-station-upgrade.aspx

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Pages/Auchenflower-station-upgrade.aspx

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1284374954071359489