Station Upgrades

[ozbob]

Station upgrades are another good example of the mess that is transport in Qld. 
Some are being done by QR, some by TMR/TransLink, some by CRR.  Throw in BCC for ferry terminals and bus facilities too.

We really need a Public Transport Authority, not silos of mediocrity ...

[Gazza]

Wasn't the 'old' part of Milton station upgraded when Suncorp was upgraded? It doesn't deserve funding for further upgrades considering other places have nothing.

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92902

Major milestones for two inner-city train station upgrades
10th August 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Major upgrades at two of Queensland's busiest train stations, South Bank and Auchenflower, are both on-track, after reaching significant milestones.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced Hutchinson Builders had been awarded the contract for South Bank station's platform one, which will support up to 250 construction jobs.   

"South Bank station is one of the busiest train stations on our network, and a key destination for tourists visiting our city, so this $24 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government will benefit visitors and locals alike," Mr Bailey said.

"South Bank will also be home to key venues for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics in Brisbane, so this is a timely upgrade to help get the station games ready.

"The Palaszczuk Government's record $27.5 billion roads and transport investment over four years, is creating 24,000 jobs, and helping to drive Queensland's economic recovery from Covid-19.

"This upgrade will deliver a full-length raised platform, giving easier, safer access for the community, including those using mobility devices, seniors and customers travelling with prams and luggage.

"New platform seating and waiting shelters will improve customer comfort, while new lighting, CCTV, and station signage will further modernise platform facilities.

"The station connects to the Southpoint development, so I'm looking forward to the platform's features being renewed and improved, to bring them into line with the modern precinct and help make a positive impression on visitors arriving to South Bank by train.

"South East Queensland's population is continuing to grow, and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing modern public transport and encouraging people to leave their car at home, and this project is just one example of that."

Member for Cooper Jonty Bush said the accessibility upgrade happening at Auchenflower Station had also reached a major milestone.

"With the help of a 700-tonne crane, a new 36-metre pedestrian overbridge has been installed at Auchenflower," Ms Bush said.

"Once works are completed, the bridge will create an accessible path through the station precinct and to the Wesley Hospital for all members of the community, including commuters in my electorate.

"In just 48 hours, crews worked over the weekend to assemble the bridge, started installing the station's new lift shafts and stairs and lifted in the 36-metre steel footbridge.

"Over the next six months crews will progressively install the stairs and lifts connecting the bridge to the core zones of each platform, which have been raised to ensure customers have easier and safer access to trains.

"Once the accessibility upgrade is complete, everyone in the community will be able to travel safely and more easily through Auchenflower station and the neighbouring Wesley Hospital medical precinct, including people who use mobility aids, seniors, and people travelling with prams and luggage."

Mr Bailey acknowledged some short-term alternate travel arrangements would be required throughout the construction phases, to enable work to be carried out safely.

"As with any major project, there will be some closures, to ensure a safe construction zone while work is underway," he said.

"Queensland Rail is committed to communicating any travel impacts in advance to allow customers to plan their journey and allow any extra travel time required."

Construction at South Bank gets underway later this year and is anticipated to be complete in early-2023.

The Auchenflower and Southbank Station upgrades are part of the Palaszczuk Government's investment of more than $500 million to improve accessibility for commuters across the South East Queensland network.

ENDS

[kram0]

What about platforms 2 & 3 at Southbank? FFS!!

[nathandavid88]

Given the mess Platform 1 was left as after the construction of Southpoint, I daresay Platform 1 needs more work than Platform 2 does.

Will access to Platform 1 via Tribune Street be reinstated? Or more direct access between Grey Street/Platform 1 and Platforms 2 & 3 (without detouring via Vulture Street)?

[ozbob]

[verbatim9]

^

Looks a lot better

[verbatim9]

Seems that they are starting the escalator upgrades at Central as well.

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

[kram0]

Confirmation of another half baked Queensland Government project. 

Queensland Rail is upgrading platform 1 at South Bank station to better integrate with the Southpoint Transit Oriented Development (TOD). As the newly developed precinct interfaces with platform 1 at South Bank, this upgrade will allow for a seamless connection between Southpoint and the station.

At this stage Queensland Rail has no plans to upgrade platforms 2 and 3 at South Bank station. If you have any further enquiries, please let me know.

[SurfRail]

"Seamless" appears to mean "southbound only"

[verbatim9]

 Translink FB---> Lindum Station upgrade

Quick! If you haven't already had your say on the proposed Lindum station accessibility upgrade, get online and provide your feedback now.  Community consultation closes at 5pm this Friday 3 December .

This is one of several improvements to take place at Lindum station precinct, with all levels of government working together, alongside Brisbane City Council to prioritise critical level crossing, station and park 'n' ride upgrades.

Visit the Queensland Rail project page for more info https://bit.ly/3EiE6Qk

[JimmyP]

Opening of Yeronga has been delayed til next year.

https://translink.com.au/updates/64576

[ozbob]

Opening of Yeronga has been delayed til next year.

https://translink.com.au/updates/64576

Thanks.

https://translink.com.au/updates/64576

"Unfortunately, due to the wet weather, Yeronga station will not reopen in December as planned.

A new reopening timeline is being planned, and more information (including the new reopening date) will be provided as soon as possible."

[ozbob]

Fairfield will not close as planned. Will remain open until Yeronga back in service.

[ozbob]

[STB]

Something i was thinking about.
Taringa is far too constrained and on steep hill for a meaningful upgrade.
The station should just shift 250m to Beatrice St where there is plenty of space to build straight platforms.

This would require two new rail bridges over Beatrice St to allow for the bulge out, but theoretically you could get away with only one island platform given the express pair doesnt need platforms.

No, you still need 4 platforms as occasionally the all stations services are diverted during trackwork (eg if the trackwork is done on the subs, the trains are diverted to the mains).

[Gazza]

Yes but you could just stop doing that.

Logan and Gold coast faster rail will be quad but only Loganlea and Beenleigh will have 4 platforms

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Yeronga station set to stay closed over Christmas after rain deluge delays Cross River Rail upgrades

Yeronga railway station on Brisbane's southside will stay closed for Cross River Rail upgrades well into January, and will not be fully accessible until August next year.

Key points:
Yeronga station has been closed since April for Cross River Rail upgrades
Rain delays mean the station will not be open until January, with lifts not installed until at least August
Brisbane's rail network will close for 10 days over Christmas for major upgrades
The station closed in April this year for a planned six-month shutdown to enable a complete overhaul of the platforms, rail lines and overpass.

But Cross River Rail general manager Matthew Martyn-Jones told ABC Radio Brisbane Queensland's recent deluge had delayed work for weeks, if not months.

"Every time after it rains ... we need to pump out the site and we obviously can't pump the water into the stormwater, that wouldn't be appropriate," Mr Martyn-Jones said.

"So we need to use a vac truck to pump the water out, and that just slows down the progress. ...

[OzGamer]

Yes but you could just stop doing that.

Logan and Gold coast faster rail will be quad but only Loganlea and Beenleigh will have 4 platforms

It's not just trackwork - inbound all stops use the mains tracks at afternoon peak so as to avoid a flat cross with the outbound expresses between Milton and Roma St.

[JimmyP]

That can be avoided by making the tracks Up/Up/Down/Dow

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Major upgrades planned for Banyo and Bundamba railway stations $

A $500m upgrade of Brisbane's public transport network is chugging along, with new designs for improved train stations at Banyo and Bundamba released for community consultation and another major station set to reopen after months of construction.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the upgrades would deliver major accessibility improvements including full-length raised platforms for improved boarding, and new additional overbridges with direct lift access to the platforms. ...

[ozbob]

Station Accessibility Upgrade Program

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Pages/Stationaccessibilityupgradeprogram.aspx

No active links for Banyo and Bundamba stations ...  sigh .....

====

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1492151928855285762

[timh]

Disappointed the Banyo upgrade has no plans for a Level Crossing removal. Although I do understand it's a tricky one

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

[Cazza]

 It's a shame they haven't considered closing both Bundamba and Ebbw Vale and combining them in the one logical location at Byrne Street. It's definitely a piece of feedback I'll be giving once consultation opens.

Edit- consultation beings and full drawings/plans appear to be released on Monday 14th Feb (https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/94445).

[Aydin]

It's a shame they haven't considered closing both Bundamba and Ebbw Vale and combining them in the one logical location at Byrne Street. It's deinfitely a piece of feedback I'll be giving once consitation opens.

As someone who has lived in both Brisbane and Melbourne, I continually wonder why Brisbane's stations are generally so closely built together compared with Melbourne. In saying this, I'm all for whenever someone suggests combining two stations into one.

I'll even be adding this suggestion to my map 

[#Metro]

As someone who has lived in both Brisbane and Melbourne, I continually wonder why Brisbane's stations are generally so closely built together compared with Melbourne. In saying this, I'm all for whenever someone suggests combining two stations into one.

Maybe they thought it was going to be a metro in 150+ years? 

There is a need for looking at the network and figuring out which parts should be metro style high frequency, and which parts should be lower frequency but all day express.

[Aydin]

Maybe they thought it was going to be a metro in 150+ years? 

There is a need for looking at the network and figuring out which parts should be metro style high frequency, and which parts should be lower frequency but all day express.

I understand planning for a metro-style service in the inner city core; however, there shouldn't be stations less than 1km apart in the suburbs. It just seems pointless to me as many people who live in the suburbs will typically just drive to the station anyways seeing as:
A. our multimodal connections (i.e. bus to rail) is absolutely abysmal.
B. due to the geography and climate of Brisbane being very hilly and humid respectively, I don't imagine anyone in the suburbs really walking to a station unless it's less than ~200m from their house.

[Aydin]

Moreover, as Melbourne is much denser than Brisbane (while covering significantly less area), I argue that Melbourne, in theory, should have closer stations, but this simply isn't the case.

[#Metro]

So which stations are on your theoretical hit list?

[Aydin]

Well to name a few:

Murrarie Station (so long as Cannon Hill Station is relocated over Creek Rd)
Ebbw Vale & Bundamba Stations (so long as a new station at Byrneville is constructed)
Gaythorne Station - I understand its main purpose is to service the barracks but it's just over 700m from Enoggera 
Keperra Station - its currently too close Grovely Station and I'd imagine it would yield far better patronage if it was relocated over Annandale St at Welford St
Wynnum Station
North Boondall - this station would be much better utilised if it were placed between the current Nudgee and Boondall stations. It would still be a relatively short distance between stations; however, a car cannot cover that distance. 

[achiruel]

I reckon I'd add Sunnybank to the list as well. Surely 2 stations are enough for the suburb?

[Aydin]

Definitely agree.

I seemed to have overlooked that area though because I'd definitely get rid of Runcorn Station in addition to Sunnybank and rename Fruitgrove to Runcorn.

[timh]

Definitely agree.

I seemed to have overlooked that area though because I'd definitely get rid of Runcorn Station in addition to Sunnybank and rename Fruitgrove to Runcorn.

The old Foundry next to Runcorn station is about to be massively redeveloped though, so I can see the patronage there improving significantly (even though it's faster to the city to catch a 150...)

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

[Aydin]

Definitely agree.

I seemed to have overlooked that area though because I'd definitely get rid of Runcorn Station in addition to Sunnybank and rename Fruitgrove to Runcorn.

The old Foundry next to Runcorn station is about to be massively redeveloped though, so I can see the patronage there improving significantly (even though it's faster to the city to catch a 150...)

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

Do we know what kind of development is going to be built there?

My guess is perhaps an industrial estate for storage (i.e. warehouses), seeing its adequate placement along Beenleigh Rd.

[timh]

Definitely agree.

I seemed to have overlooked that area though because I'd definitely get rid of Runcorn Station in addition to Sunnybank and rename Fruitgrove to Runcorn.

The old Foundry next to Runcorn station is about to be massively redeveloped though, so I can see the patronage there improving significantly (even though it's faster to the city to catch a 150...)

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

Do we know what kind of development is going to be built there?

My guess is perhaps an industrial estate for storage (i.e. warehouses), seeing its adequate placement along Beenleigh Rd.

No no, huge residential, with some commercial. I actually have a personal connection to the developer (weirdly, long story). It's not as dense as I would like considering the proximity to transit, but lots of townhomes/terraces from what I understand, along with regular single family zoning and some public parkland. The density is a council limitation though due to zoning and it's not specifically classified as a TOD by state gov

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

[Aydin]

Definitely agree.

I seemed to have overlooked that area though because I'd definitely get rid of Runcorn Station in addition to Sunnybank and rename Fruitgrove to Runcorn.

The old Foundry next to Runcorn station is about to be massively redeveloped though, so I can see the patronage there improving significantly (even though it's faster to the city to catch a 150...)

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

Do we know what kind of development is going to be built there?

My guess is perhaps an industrial estate for storage (i.e. warehouses), seeing its adequate placement along Beenleigh Rd.

No no, huge residential, with some commercial. I actually have a personal connection to the developer (weirdly, long story). It's not as dense as I would like considering the proximity to transit, but lots of townhomes/terraces from what I understand, along with regular single family zoning and some public parkland. The density is a council limitation though due to zoning and it's not specifically classified as a TOD by state gov

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

I'm actually surprised to see a residential estate being approved where a foundry once used to be. I would've thought they would need to decontaminate the area or something decades before any residential would be built there ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/1492641082785607686

====

Major Station Accessibility Upgrade designs are leased for public comment
12th February 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The local community is invited to help shape the final designs for a multi-million-dollar upgrade of Banyo and Bundamba train stations, which will seek to improve the customer experience and accessibility for all customers.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the upgrade was part of the Palaszczuk Government's $500 million investment in the Station Accessibility Upgrade program.

"We are progressively upgrading stations across the South East Queensland rail network to make them accessible for all customers," Mr Bailey said.

"These important upgrades make a big difference in the lives of locals who rely on public transport to get around and I'm pleased to see this next stage of the upgrade get underway."

Mr Bailey said the upgrades would deliver major accessibility improvements including full-length raised platforms for improved boarding, and new additional overbridges with direct lift access to the platforms.

"We want everyone in the local community to access public transport safely and without barriers," he said.

"The upgrade will also deliver other improvements including hearing augmentation loops and tactile platform surfaces for customers requiring hearing and vision assistance, upgraded CCTV and station lighting, extended platform shelters and new wayfinding and platform signage.

"Upon its completion, the project will provide accessible options for people with a disability, parents with prams and senior citizens to access the station platforms."

Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard was pleased to share artist impressions for Banyo station with her community, which for the first time provide a glimpse into how the project will transform the existing station.

"This upgrade is welcomed by my community who have pushed for these improvements for a long time," Ms Linard said.

"The benefits this will deliver will reach far and wide for all those who rely on public transport on a regular basis." 

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the local upgrade followed accessibility upgrades at Ebbw Vale and East Ipswich stations.

"The Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver improved access for our local Ipswich community through station upgrades, park 'n' ride expansions and station refreshes," Mr McCallum said.

"Now, we see Bundamba station in line for a major overhaul as part of the multi-million-dollar works program, and I look forward to seeing work get underway.

"This investment follows our $3 million park 'n' ride upgrade at Ebbw Vale station to include another 70 parking spaces, and the recent accessibility improvements at East Ipswich station.

"I'm proud to be delivering these benefits for our local community, and for all those who use Bundamba station in the future."

Ms Linard invited the community to provide feedback on the designs of both Banyo and Bundamba station online.

"Feedback can be provided online, via email, mail or by phoning the project team from now Monday 14 to Friday 25 February," she said

"Queensland Rail has also consulted closely with its Accessibility Focus Group on the proposed station design and will continue seeking their guidance throughout the design process to ensure an inclusive travel experience for all customers."

Feedback regarding the station designs can be submitted via an online survey at queenslandrail.com.au, by emailing stationsupgrade@qr.com.au or calling 1800 722 203 between Monday 14 and Friday 25 February.

ENDS

" ... full-length raised platforms .. "

[Cazza]

Great to see that full-length platform upgrades are (hopefully) becoming the new norm. It's a shame that my local station (Newmarket) missed out on a full length, full height upgrade only a couple of years ago. With the recent announcement of bikes and scooters being allowed in the first and last carriages only, this upgrade still doesn't help me get my e-scooter onto the train (however the lift is a welcome improvement if I'm not feeling strong enough to take my bike or e-scooter up the stairs). I recently responded to Mark Bailey's comment on Space4Cycling's Facebook post on the announcement with this (am yet to hear a response): 

It's a shame that all these half-length platform upgrades are really coming back to bite us. My local station Newmarket recently received an upgrade and is now considered "fully accessible" and "independent access". Yet, given we can only use the first and last carriages with our bikes and e-scooters, I have to awkwardly lift my 22-odd kg e-scooter up onto the train. Although it's not ideal and I manage ok, I can see this being such a physical barrier for large groups of users (and more importantly, potential users) and simply isn't acceptable for those with mobility needs. This is why it is so important for all future station upgrades to be full height, full length. It may cost a little more upfront, but it's us commuters that use the network that bare the ongoing costs of these short sighted decisions.

It's great to see that upgrades announced over the past few years have all been full length, so I really hope these camel humps are a thing of the past.

[Gazza]

Should we put out some media suggesting we relocate Bundamba closer to the TAFE?
Can do some diagrams tonight