Station Upgrades

[verbatim9]

I have noticed the Servo there is gone. Not sure of it will be replaced with anything?

[Gazza]

If it were up to me I would fully move Trinder park up to Compton Road

Not sure that's viable. There's quite a long rail bridge over Compton Rd, and there's very little walk-up patronage in the area as well. I'd rather have it around the intersection of Nyanza St, Station Rd & Alexander St. This would still permit a lot of curve easing (provided the Government was prepared to resume quite a few properties, some of which they probably own anyway), and it would improve access to the train for residents in the northern half of Woodridge.

I guess the idea is that it would be a major park and ride and feeder bus location on the arterial road network.

[kram0]

Just got this through.

No word if the extension of the overpass to the western side of Fairfield Rd, will result in the removal of the lift on the eastern side of Fairfield Rd, which you would use to access the commuter car park.

https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/cross-river-rail/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/26085903/0065-WN-Yeronga-commence-works-design-changes-October-2020.pdf

[verbatim9]

[Gazza]

Can they like stop wasting money on drone footage productions for car park extensions.

A couple of photos is enough.

[verbatim9]

I don't mind Translink marketing new projects like this. All the other agencies around the country do equally the same.

I think all these construction companies do some kind of drone footage throughout and at the completion of a project to ensure a successful sign off.

[Gazza]

I don't mind Translink marketing new projects like this. All the other agencies around the country do equally the same.

I think all these construction companies do some kind of drone footage throughout and at the completion of a project to ensure a successful sign off.

I think its fine if its something interesting like a rail corridor or freeway interchange.

But car parks do not need this level of marketing.

[Cazza]

Why did Virginia need more parking when Northgate just one stop down the line has more than double the services, including more express trains to more destinations?

[HappyTrainGuy]

Easy block of vacant land next to the station.

[mufreight]

Who made some big dollars by selling it to the government, smells like another Tradd deal

[HappyTrainGuy]

Who made some big dollars by selling it to the government, smells like another Tradd deal

In regards to Virginia it was already owned by TMR as part of the Sandgate Road corridor.

[Cal]

G'day all. In regards to platform height raising, obviously we all think it is crazy to do a half platform upgrade. However, how much is the cost difference/cost of completing full platform raising as opposed to just partial raising. Couldn't think of any other reason for partial raising bar potentially the cost, especially at straight platform stations... Cheers

[ozbob]

G'day all. In regards to platform height raising, obviously we all think it is crazy to do a half platform upgrade. However, how much is the cost difference/cost of completing full platform raising as opposed to just partial raising. Couldn't think of any other reason for partial raising bar potentially the cost, especially at straight platform stations... Cheers

Welcome aboard Cal   . 

At least the stations being upgraded for CRR are all going to be full height full length. 

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2020/1137-2020.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1137

Asked on 2 December 2020

MR J MADDEN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister advise what actions are planned by the Palaszczuk Labor Government to
improve transport connectivity in Ipswich to support the region's growth and productivity and will
the Minister specifically advise what progress has been made on the commitment to provide
in-kind support to a business case being progressed by Ipswich City Council for the proposed
Norman Street Bridge?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Ipswich West for the question.

The Palaszczuk Government recognises the importance of continued investment in our road and
transport networks to enable Queenslanders to connect more easily to health services, education,
jobs and with each other.

Ipswich has been experiencing strong growth and increased transport demand and this growth is
expected to continue in future years. To plan for this growth, the Palaszczuk Government has
several key transport projects underway or planned for the Ipswich area.

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2020–21 to 2023–24 highlights a
number of initiatives relevant to Ipswich, including continuing delivery of the Ipswich Motorway
(Rocklea – Darra) Stage 1 upgrades, continued construction of the Sumners Road interchange
upgrade over the Centenary Motorway, commencing construction of the Centenary Bridge
upgrade at Jindalee, construction of the new Springfield Central and Darra train station park 'n'
ride upgrades, and planning for the upgrade of the Centenary Motorway and Logan Motorway
interchange.

The Palaszczuk Government has committed $1 million to progress pre-investment planning for
the Ipswich to Springfield corridor, seeking matched funding from the Australian Government and
$500,000 from Ipswich City Council (ICC). Delivery of this extension is not currently committed
and is subject to further planning, funding availability and state-wide prioritisation.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) continues to work with ICC and other state
agencies to plan for, and protect, the Ipswich to Springfield rail corridor. This includes reviewing
land requirements for a proposed line (including provision for a continuous active transport link)
which is complementary to surrounding land use and development.

In addition to this, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering on important park 'n' ride upgrades
to rail stations in Ipswich. The Ebbw Vale station upgrade completed in July 2020 delivered an
additional 70 car parks, improvements to the bus stop, pedestrian safety and connectivity and the
installation of bicycle storage racks. TMR is also delivering car park upgrade works at the Darra
station park 'n' ride to create 184 extra car parking spaces.

TMR is delivering a new multi-storey park 'n' ride to service Springfield Central station, creating
more parking spaces and improving safety and security for people in and around the station
precinct. The Palaszczuk Government has committed $44.5 million to deliver this service,
featuring around 1100 park 'n' ride spaces across the precinct once completed.

Furthermore, the Palaszczuk Government will invest $39 million for an accessibility upgrade at
Bundamba Train Station. The upgrade will include full platform raising, setting a new standard for
all future station upgrades to be delivered by Queensland Rail.

Upgrades are also being delivered for the Ipswich Motorway between Rocklea and Darra, a
three-kilometre section of the motorway with construction expected to be completed in early 2021.
ICC is leading current business case planning for the Norman Street Bridge which forms part of
the local government-controlled road network within Ipswich. TMR is involved in the project as a
key stakeholder only and continues to provide in-kind officer technical input and guidance into
the progressive stages of the project.

====

" ... The upgrade will include full platform raising, setting a new standard for all future station upgrades to be delivered by Queensland Rail. ..."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1346235540153147393

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> First look: New designs show upgrade of Gold Coast rail station


Coomera railway station to get parking upgrade.

The Bulletin can reveal a rethink of future works for the Coomera railway station will deliver 550 car parking spaces as part of an expanded $17 million project. ...

Plans prepared by the government will see:

* car parking spaces to the current parking facility increased by expanding on two new blocks of land, and by reconfiguring two of the existing car park

* a new bus layover facility for four buses within the existing bus facility.

* a new signalised access via Foxwell Road to the eastern carpark with construction to be delivered in stages to minimise impact to commuters.

[achiruel]

^ money that should be more usefully invested in improving the frequency and span of bus services on the northern Gold Coast. 723 has an 80 minute gap between services during peak m morning commute times. The 723 ceases operation before 5pm!

I realise the main GC "strip" doesn't have peak times as such,  but Upper Coomera, Oxenford etc are basically commuter suburbs. There needs to be services at least every 30 minutes 5:30am-8:30am and 4pm-7pm, and the last services should be at 10pm.

I know TransLink will come out with some b.s. about no demand, ignoring the fact that the reason for no demand is that they're serving a steaming t%rd.

[Cazza]

Or even creating TODs at the station. With the train station and shopping centre side by side, it's the perfect spot for apartment buildings with mixed used development to be built on the eastern side of the tracks.

But yes, the northern GC bus network is absolutely abysmal. Even in a day and age where town and transport planners are brought up knowing how successful feeder buses are if implemented well and just the sheer uselessness that car parks are, it really is disturbing that this isn't the practice being undertaken.

[achiruel]

Or even creating TODs at the station. With the train station and shopping centre side by side, it's the perfect spot for apartment buildings with mixed used development to be built on the eastern side of the tracks.

But yes, the northern GC bus network is absolutely abysmal. Even in a day and age where town and transport planners are brought up knowing how successful feeder buses are if implemented well and just the sheer uselessness that car parks are, it really is disturbing that this isn't the practice being undertaken.

Yes, that would actually make sense, but nah, let's use valuable urban land for carparks instead 

[verbatim9]

Indooroopilly Station should move slightly North behind Bunnings, where the track is straighter.

This was actually looked at before any of the upgrade works started. I understand that the Project Manager knocked it back on cost grounds. It would cost more than was in the budget.

Can be a future private public project  A good opportunity to redevelopment the parcel land where Bunnings stands to a 20 storey mixed development. Retail below offices and apartments

Retail Thread---> Bunnings earmarked for expansion at Indooroopilly

As discussed previously there is an opportunity to incorporate a new mega Bunnings along with other retail and a new relocated Indooroopilly station and bus interchange.

Benefits - Market led redevelopment of the station and retail precinct. - new and improved bus interchange that could be integrated with a future mass transit corridor from UQ. - Level straight platforms for improved access. - Segregated two way bike path integrated into the new overpass / bus interchange with the station.

The Walter Taylor Bridge is getting duplicated so it makes sense to relocate the train station north to Bunnings.

[Gazza]

Bunnings isnt really a good thing to integrate with a rail station IMO. Things like supermarkets and general shops yes, but bulky good are no good as TOD.
I was at Richlands yesterday, hadn't been there for a while and was horrified to see that on the vacant land next to the station they ended up building a Repco and a Sydney Tools, the last things that need to be next to rail 

If a station and bus interchange was built there, you would need to raise the rail bridge over Allwood st to permit clearance for BCC buses to pass underneath.

[JimmyP]

Went through Auchenflower this morning and noticed the camel hump has appeared on platform 1.. I thought Auchenflower was getting full length raising? Maybe just temporary hump til later in the upgrade?

[verbatim9]

Went through Auchenflower this morning and noticed the camel hump has appeared on platform 1.. I thought Auchenflower was getting full length raising? Maybe just temporary hump til later in the upgrade?

This station upgrade has been so confusing. First it was mooted that the redevelopment of the station will get new complaint full length platforms. Then it was announced that the centre of the platforms only will be raised. Then reports after stated that they will revert back to full platform raising. I think this particular project might have missed out as it was planned prior to the full platform raising announcement.

One would think that this being a main station for a hospital would have full length compliant platforms?

[mufreight]

Went through Auchenflower this morning and noticed the camel hump has appeared on platform 1.. I thought Auchenflower was getting full length raising? Maybe just temporary hump til later in the upgrade?

The assurance that the platforms in all station upgrades would be raised full height for full length is an assurance that has been given by all Ministers since Trad so Hinchliffe and Bailey can have the same level of credibility with anything related to railways, we were also assured that the first of the disability compliant NGR trains would be in service by Mid November but latest word is that the earliest that it may be in service is possibly last week in February but don't hold your breath, time for a change og Minister responsible for Railways obviously Transport and Main Roads and railways is more than any Minister in the current government is capable of administering.

[SurfRail]

Auchenflower I'm pretty sure is in the batch where they backslid to only raising the centre of the platform.  East Ipswich and onwards should be full raising unless there is some serious technical constraint (in which case the question has to be why they can't just do a proper rebuild when it seems manageable interstate).

[HappyTrainGuy]

IIRC Toowong end still has quite a lot of abestos that needs to be dug up and removed before permanent full length raising. Could be a reason why it's not being done now. Haven't been that way in a very long time but it's also a reason why the old ohle masts are still in place despite being replaced last year or the year before that.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Rail fail: disabled ramp caught in Brisbane train door $

A disabled boarding ramp was caught in a train door as it left a Brisbane station last week, sparking renewed concerns about safety at many stations.

Nobody was injured in the February 10 incident at Auchenflower in the city's inner west, but it again highlighted problems in the State Government's train accessibility upgrade.

Local resident Geoff Cook said it was unacceptable that the upgrade at Auchenflower would only see the middle sections of the platforms raised. ...

[ozbob]

Public transport upgrades sparking accessibility, jobs

20th March 2021

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Di Farmer

Major investments to make public transport more accessible across Queensland and create jobs as part of the state's economic recovery are powering ahead, with another milestone reached on the Palaszczuk Government's half-a-billion-dollar station accessibility program.

A 500-tonne crane today lifted in a brand-new pedestrian footbridge at Cannon Hill station, one of 17 stations in the south east being overhauled to make them more accessible for Queenslanders including those with a disability and older people.

Inspecting the works today with Member for Bulimba Di Farmer, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said making stations more accessible was key to encouraging public transport use, especially with the downturn in patronage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"What we've seen during COVID is more people moving to Queensland because of the way we continue to manage the health response, and it's vital from a public transport perspective that the accessibility is there to accommodate our diverse and growing population," Mr Bailey said.

"Importantly, we also want the jobs in fields like construction there for people who want work and are choosing Queensland as the place to be.

It comes as the government last week announced members of its Queensland Accessible Transport Advisory Council to give a voice to those with vision, hearing, physical or cognitive impairments, older people, parents and youth groups when it comes to building public transport.

"There's $26.9 billion worth of transport and road projects coming over the next four years plus the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project, all supporting close to 30,000 jobs, and I think we can all agree that we want them to be as accessible to as many people as possible.

"We don't want a repeat of the past when the LNP under Campbell Newman ordered trains from overseas that weren't disability-compliant and are now having to be rectified.

Mr Bailey said in addition to works happening at Cannon Hill, station upgrades were also in full swing at Dakabin, Auchenflower, East Ipswich, Fairfield and Yeronga, with upgrades at Yeerongpilly, Moorooka, Rocklea, Salisbury, Banyo, Bundamba, Burpengary, Wooloowin, Lindum and Morningside to follow.

Those upgrades will feature new footbridges, lifts, accessible car parks, raised platforms, upgraded hearing augmentation loops, tactile platform surfaces, updated security, lighting and station signage.

"That's on top of what the Palaszczuk Government is doing more broadly with the $335 million program to fix the NGRs, new stations in the Brisbane CBD and on the Gold Coast, light rail Stage 3 to Burleigh, and our commitment to build new trains in Maryborough.

"Regionally, we've also seen new accessible buses rolled out across major hubs by our partners who operate public transport and upgrades to train stations along the spine of the North Coast line.

"With a renewed focus on accessibility in recent years, the desire to see more people take public transport and the need to create jobs, we've jumped on a really unique opportunity right now for us to build better public transport and spark a construction boom."

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Member for Bulimba Di Farmer said making public transport more accessible was so essential for everyone to participate in their communities and to access vital services.

"Traffic congestion is an issue, and in an inner-city community like ours, it really important to make it easier for parents with children, those with disabilities, the young and the elderly to use public transport," Ms Farmer said.

"Plenty of local tradies are also so enthusiastic about this project and on this upgrade alone, 250 jobs have been created in fields including electrical, carpentry, painting, plumbing, labouring, roofing, glazing, and traffic control.

"Benefits of station upgrades are two-fold, with greater access to public transport for the community and a boost to our economic recovery plan with job creation and infrastructure. 

Ms Farmer said construction on the Cannon Hill station upgrade was expected to be completed by early next year, weather and construction conditions permitting.

"To-date, the station's new 35 metre footbridge is the longest footbridge installed as part of the program.

"Following the bridges lift-in, fit out works will commence ahead of its opening with lift installation works to follow."

ENDS

[ozbob]

^

[ozbob]

Have just heard that Ipswich station is to undergo an upgrade.  Lifts and some platform raising.  Still after full details.

[verbatim9]

Have just heard that Ipswich station is to undergo an upgrade.  Lifts and some platform raising.  Still after full details.

That station needs it. It also needs improved exhaust ventilation for the diesel locomotives that pass through.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Station upgrades signal end for half-century old lifts $

Upgrades that disability and public transport advocates have been pushing the State Government to carry out for years are finally set to be put into place at Ipswich train station.

A set of lifts that are nearing 50 years of age will be replaced as part of a plan to upgrade.

Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard on Monday said work was set to begin in April, lasting about four months.

The current lifts, installed in 1972, will be replaced and the platform will be raised to improve access to trains at the station, which has come under fire in recent years for being both outdated and difficult to access.

Robert Dow from Rail Back on Track on Monday welcomed the announcement, saying the long-term benefits would be worth the short term inconvenience during the construction process. ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1376388489948766208

[ozbob]

This quote from the above article:

As part of a scheduled track closure on May 8-9, Queensland Rail will raise the height of the platforms at Ipswich station, reducing the gap between the platform and the train entry point.

Platform work is expected to be completed in June, while the new lifts should be commissioned by August.

Suggests partial platform raising to me ...  I have asked the question.

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1376391980616278019

[timh]

Full height full length?

Would be nice if the station got a bit of a cosmetic facelift while they're at it. It's very dark and dingey.

EDIT: Just saw your post Bob. Good that you're inquiring. I thought we were promised full height full length for all future upgrades, so i would be disappointed if they go back on that now...

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Footbridge improves access at popular train station $


A new footbridge was installed at East Ipswich train station

A STEEL footbridge will improve access at an Ipswich train station, after it was installed late last week.

The 35-tonne bridge is just part of a massive multimillion-dollar project aiming to make the East Ipswich train station more accessible.

Improved accessible parking and a new "modern" station building with entrances on Merton St and Coronation St are among features the project promises to deliver.

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the completion of the bridge marked a major milestone within the project.

"(It) will benefit our local community and visitors to the area," Ms Howard said.

"The 25-metre-long steel footbridge is a key feature of the upgrade." ...

[ezekial]

I was told Southbank was getting done at the completion of the hotel, commercial and apartment development.

Still nothing.......

I was getting annoyed at the dismal conditions at South Bank platform 1, so I contacted QR... bit of an odd dance, after their initial response in April I had to push them to explain why the project could be in "early design phase" when the hotel has been complete for years...

From: Community Engagement <CommunityEngagement@qr.com.au>
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2021 at 10:28
Subject: RE: South Bank station status

The South Bank TOD project page on our website is a separate project which was completed in 2017. This work relates to the integration of the TOD with South Bank station, and as part of this, a number of upgrades were made to the station including a new ticket office and station access via escalators, lifts and stairs from the SouthPoint precinct.

 The upgrade of platform 1 at South Bank station is separate to the South Bank TOD project and includes upgrading the station platform and facilities.

 Unfortunately, Queensland Rail's works have been delayed, due to challenges with the project construction methodology and a technical design issue. However, I am pleased to advise that we are in the detailed design phase of the project and as part of this, are finalising timeframes for major construction. We will ensure timeframes are communicated to customers and the community once available.

On Tue, 27 Apr 2021 at 15:50, Community Engagement <CommunityEngagement@qr.com.au> wrote:

Hi ,   Thanks for your enquiry regarding South Bank station.   As you might be aware, Queensland Rail is upgrading Platform 1 at South Bank station. The project team has been working through the early design phase, prior to major works commencing.   In the meantime, the temporary waiting structures were installed to help protect customers from weather and improve availability of shaded areas. These temporary facilities will remain in place until more substantial station upgrade works start, with timings still to be confirmed.  

[Stillwater]

Pity there is no further explanation of the "challenges with the project construction methodology and the technical design issue".

[kram0]

Any Government or organisation with half a brain would have implemented the upgrade of the station platform at the same time as the main development. Absolute half wits.

Also, why not upgrade the island platform?   

[JimmyP]

Don't forget Milton! Platform 1 fully upgraded, refreshed, full high level etc. Rest of the station still the same old station, low level platforms, dingy...