Cross River Rail Project

[ozbob]

Little off topic, but worldwide tunnels as proposed for the CRRP, present little challenge ..

http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/10/high-speed-tunnels-broken-through/browse/2.html

High speed tunnels broken through
08 March 2010
Tunnel breakthrough (Photo: DB AG/Frank Kniestedt).

GERMANY: Federal Transport Minister Peter Ramsauer, DB Chief Executive Rüdiger Grube and Sachsen-Anhalt Transport Minster Karl-Heinz Daehre watched the breakthrough of the 6 466 m western bore of the Bibra tunnel on March 3. The 6 970 m Finne tunnel was also holed through on the same day.

Three twin-bore tunnels totalling 15·4 km are being built for the 123 km Erfurt - Leipzig/Halle high speed line which is set to open in 2015. The route forms part of the 500 km Nürnberg - Berlin Corridor 8 which is being developed at a cost of €10bn under Germany's post-reunification investment plan.

Erfurt - Leipzig journey times will be cut from 70 to 39 min, while Berlin - München will be cut from more than six to around four hours.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Going underground: Brisbane rail route chosen

Going underground: Brisbane rail route chosen
TONY MOORE
March 24, 2010 - 10:56AM

A new underground rail network will run from near Woolloongabba under the Brisbane CBD to Bowen Hills, Premier Anna Bligh has told State Parliament this morning.

The State Government made the announcement as part of the Cross River Rail study, which aims to find a new north-south connection in the inner-city.

Ms Bligh said two of the three proposed routes were rejected during the feasibility stage.

The plan includes a tunnel underneath the Brisbane River, new underground train stations at Woolloongabba and in the CBD, and takes in the RNA's Exhibition line.

"In 2008 we announced three possible routes - we have now progressed to the final study corridor," Ms Bligh said.

"The study ... rejected two routes including an option to duplicate Merivale Bridge and tunnel under the existing corridor to Bowen Hills.

"Another option was an alternative alignment via Newstead which included a station at Newstead."

Ms Bligh told Parliament the Government would now concentrate on the link from near Woollongabba, to Brisbane's CBD and out to Bowen Hills.

"Of the three it has the least impact on existing property and has the best potential to really bust congestion in our city," she said.

The existing Exhibition rail corridor would be included in the planning process, she said.

The project should be completed by 2016.

Community consultation will start next month and a seismic survey of the Brisbane River bed between the Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point began this week, the Premier said.

"Geotechnical surveys of ground conditions are under way along the existing rail line south of Dutton Park station and some drilling is expected in this area after Easter."

The Government needs a specific corridor for the project before they can apply to Infrastructure Australia for more detailed funding.

The Federal Government provided $20 million last year for the feasibility study.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

14km rail tunnel under consideration for Brisbane's cross river rail

14km rail tunnel under consideration for Brisbane's cross river rail

    * Sarah Vogler
    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * March 24, 2010 10:34AM

A 14KM RAIL tunnel from Salisbury in Brisbane's south to Wooloowin in the north is under consideration for the Cross River Rail project, says Premier Anna Bligh.

Ms Bligh has told Parliament that under the Cross River Rail Tunnel study corridor it has been proposed to burrow under the city and the Brisbane River for the project.

The ambitious project also may include a new underground station at Wooloongabba, an underground platform at Park Road, possible underground platforms at either Roma Street or Central in the city, and upgrading the Exhibition  and Bowen Hills stations.
The study will investigate:


    * Possible new tracks or services in the North Brisbane areas of Wooloowin, Clayfield, Windsor and Albion.



    *  An upgrade of Exhibition Station at the RNA showgrounds and Bowen Hills station.



    * Underground platforms at either Central or Roma Street stations.



    * A new underground station in the southern end of the CBD - possibly under George, Albert or Edward streets.



    * New underground stations at Wooloongabba, near the Gabba, and at Park Road.



    * Where the underground link could surface both at Annerley and Kelvin Grove.


Ms Bligh said the cross river rail line was a critical link with a predicted 140-plus extra services needed post 2016 to cope withe population growth and demand.

She said the area earmarked in the study corridor was considered the option that would cause least disruption to existing properties.

She said the multi-billion dollar project would have no prospect of gaining funding from the Federal Government or the private sector without undertaking a extensive study into the proposed route.

Geotechnical studies are already under way with drilling in the Dutton Park area expected to be undertaken after Easter.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the would be no future opportunities to add extra services on already congested Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines without adding another cross-river link to the rail network.

Ms Bligh said the project would be the largest transport infrastructure project undertaken in Queensland.

[#Metro]

I thought the "Exhibition Daylighting" was rejected?
So does this mean Ekka station services? Or that the line will use the same track, or it will just skirt the outline?

[johnnigh]

12.30 today, public questiontime on line (http://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/government/peoples-question-time.aspx) about Q'land growth.

You might still be able to ask questions.

[#Metro]

OK, from ABC:

* Potential tunnel appears to exit onto the Existing Ekka Loop tracks with a stop at the Exhibition Station

* Underground station at Roma Street or Central

There is a map as well, its quality is low though.

Map here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/24/2854709.htm

[#Metro]

http://media01.couriermail.com.au/multimedia/2010/03/Study%20corridor%20map%20final_23%20March%202010.pdf

for a big map.

[Derwan]

Some interesting "improvements" on the original plan including:

• Additional platforms (and therefore an extra stop) at either Central or Roma St providing a connection between lines.
• Surfacing on the Ekka line instead of between Woolloowin and Eagle Junction
• An upgrade to the Ekka station
• Further upgrades of the line south and north to cater for additional services

I think it is fair to say that they wouldn't be proposing an upgrade to the Ekka station if it wasn't going to be used for regular services.

Looks promising if it can be done and delivered on time.

Edit:  The Spring Hill station has been removed from the plan!! I still have to walk up the hill every morning!!  Argh!!

[paulg]

This is excellent news. I'm very happy that the need for an interchange at Central or Roma St has been recognised. Roma Street would be best in my opinion, due to the additional connectivity with the busways.
Cheers, Paul

[#Metro]

I think it is fair to say that they wouldn't be proposing an upgrade to the Ekka station if it wasn't going to be used for regular services.

Woo! Regular Ekka Loop Services!

Maybe celebrations are a little too early though. $how me the money!

[longboi]

All your Christmases have come at once, TT!!

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
24/03/2010

Major Milestone reached for Cross River Rail project

Premier Anna Bligh has today signalled major milestones for Brisbane's Cross River Rail proposal with its declaration as a project of state significance and the beginning of detailed on-site surveys.

Ms Bligh also released the Cross River Rail study corridor which for the first time outlines the final proposed route the project will take.

"This final study corridor is approximately 19km long and extends from Salisbury in the south to Wooloowin in the north via Woolloongabba, the CBD and Bowen Hills," she said.

"It includes a tunnel underneath the Brisbane River, new underground train stations at Woolloongabba and the CBD and encompasses the RNA exhibition line.

"This is a major milestone in making the vital project a reality by 2016 when current modelling shows it will be desperately needed."

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said in 2008 the State Government announced three possible routes for the project.

She said the major feasibility study now underway rejected two routes including an option to duplicate Merivale Bridge and tunnel under the existing corridor to Bowen Hills and an option for an alternative alignment via Newstead.

"We have now designated the Woolloongabba, CBD, Bowen Hills route as the most economical with the maximum benefit for the people of Brisbane," Ms Nolan said.

"This Cross River Rail corridor is now the focus of detailed feasibility investigations and the Government intends to start community consultation on the finalised route next month."

Work now underway on the project includes:

    * A boat on the Brisbane River using sonar equipment to carry out a seismic survey between the Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point to determine the composition of the river bed and rock levels
    * Basement inspections in the CBD to gather information about the depth and extent of building basements in the area and where ground anchors are used
    * Geotechnical surveys of ground conditions along the existing rail line south of Dutton Park station with some drilling expected in this area after Easter.

"These works are a demonstration of our commitment to this important project," Ms Bligh said.

"Cross River Rail would be the single largest transport project ever undertaken in Queensland's history and it has the potential to transform the rail network and see Brisbane truly come of age.

"But we can't do it alone. This project comes with a multi-billion dollar price-tag and will require all levels of government and the private sector working together to bring it to reality.

"If we are to manage the growth we are experiencing in South East Queensland we must build this project and the work that starts this week sees it begin in earnest."

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

[O_128]

Some courier mail people are so stupid. Some think that we should spend the money on hooking up more lines to the constrained inner city tracks while others believe that we should be building out to dayboro. the sooner these people realise this is the link that is needed for anymore expansion the better.

and also to the idiot who lives out at jimboomba and is complaining you have dug your own grave, it was your choice to live out there and noone elses

[longboi]

Some courier mail people are so stupid. Some think that we should spend the money on hooking up more lines to the constrained inner city tracks while others believe that we should be building out to dayboro. the sooner these people realise this is the link that is needed for anymore expansion the better.

and also to the idiot who lives out at jimboomba and is complaining you have dug your own grave, it was your choice to live out there and noone elses

Come on now, everyone knows that people who comment on news.com websites have the combined intelligence of a frisbee 

Thankfully the State Government haven't let this project slide - I can guarantee if CRR was to not go ahead, Brisbane will be the next Adelaide in terms of rail transport.

[stephenk]

Interesting press releases, not really telling us too much new. For starters, it's more like the Paris RER or Munich S-Bahn than the London Underground/Tube.

I'm a bit concerned about the mention of surfacing onto the Ekka Loop, although map says "Investigating where the tunnel could connect to the surface", so it's not actually decided yet. The pre-feasibility report rules out surfacing onto the Ekka Loop for a variety of reasons including making Spring Hill and Bowen Hills 2 stations unfeasible. Extra tracks would be required north of a portal on the Ekka Loop, which would require some property and land resumptions, as well as some pricey flyovers and flyunders around Bowen Hills. We will have to wait and see, but I cannot see any benefit of surfacing early apart from a slight reduction in construction cost.

[Derwan]

The pre-feasibility report rules out surfacing onto the Ekka Loop for a variety of reasons including making Spring Hill and Bowen Hills 2 stations unfeasible.

They appear to have done away with both the Spring Hill station and the stop at Bowen Hills - if I'm reading the new map correctly.  Trains using the tunnel would stop at the Ekka station and not Bowen Hills.  Instead of having connections at Bowen Hills and Park Rd, the connections now appear to be the city (Roma St or Central) and Park Rd.

I dare say there will be some modifications before we see the final version.

[O_128]

park road is going to be a huge station by the time this is finished

[frereOP]

While this is a great project, we still need an inner city sub surface metro servicing the city and precincts out as far as Toowong or Indooroopilly and UQ.

What we are getting is an underground line that is still integrated into the existing QR network and it will still be subject to network delays caused outside the tunnel.

We still need a true subway on dedicated end to end lines using lighter rolling stock with quick loading and unloading capacity.  The BCC proposal for a true metro network to compliment the new line needs to be announced as well.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes clickhere!

A new railway station for the CBD... but where?

A new railway station for the CBD... but where?
TONY MOORE
March 25, 2010 - 6:07AM

A new rail station will be built in the CBD as part of a proposal for a 19km cross-river rail project for Brisbane.
But it won't go ahead until at least 2026, with immediate priority on building a rail tunnel under the Brisbane River from near Woolloongabba to Bowen Hills.

The plan for the new underground rail system, announced yesterday, will allow commuters to go underground from Gardens Point to Roma Street and Central stations and north to Bowen Hills.

There will be one new inner-city rail station built as well as new platforms to the underground rail line at either Central or Roma Street stations.

Premier Anna Bligh said the location of the new CBD rail station would be known towards the end of 2010.

It could be under QUT's Garden's Point, under the Riverside Centre, or under a shopping centre in the city heart, she said.

It would be linked to either Roma Street or Central Station.

"It is just a little too early to determine exactly where the new CBD station might be," Ms Bligh said.

"But you would be looking at areas where there are major trip generators."

On the southside, the tunnel will go underground south of the Park Road station and emerge on the northside on the Exhibition rail line to provide much-needed extra capacity for the rail system.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said there would be no Sydney-style underground rail loop around the CBD as part of the initial project, but it could be considered in the future.

"That is something that is not so imperative and therefore would be considered in the longer term," she said.

Ms Bligh said the new rail line's connections at Central and Roma Street stations would give commuters the option to join the underground system.

"That would give you the option, that when you came in to interchange between another train that would take you into other parts of the city network," Ms Bligh said.

"So, not a loop in a technical sense, but yes the ability would be there with another CBD station, for someone who gets on at QUT for example to get to Central, to get to Roma Street, or to get to the northern line."

The underground rail project finally opens up the land near the State Government's Go-Print building at Woolloongabba for sale for new development.

Ms Bligh said the private sector investment would be drawn to the project, with the teaser being the opportunity to invest in underground shopping centres.

"It may be that private sector investors would contribute to the construction of the station itself in return for the ability to develop shopping malls around those stations," Ms Bligh said.

[stephenk]

The pre-feasibility report rules out surfacing onto the Ekka Loop for a variety of reasons including making Spring Hill and Bowen Hills 2 stations unfeasible.

They appear to have done away with both the Spring Hill station and the stop at Bowen Hills - if I'm reading the new map correctly.  Trains using the tunnel would stop at the Ekka station and not Bowen Hills.  Instead of having connections at Bowen Hills and Park Rd, the connections now appear to be the city (Roma St or Central) and Park Rd.

I dare say there will be some modifications before we see the final version.

It seems that the displayed plan is more along the lines of Queensland Transport's suggested route that was rejected in the ICRCS-Pre Feasibility Report for being sub-optimal. I can only assume this is grounds of reducing costs, or political interference/ignorance. Whilst an interchange station at Roma Street or Central instead is a good move (surely Central is the better option as that's where the majority travel to), the removal of Spring Hill station is not a good move, and nor is the removal of interchange at Bowen Hills.

If the line surfaces early onto the Ekka Line, then there must be two extra tracks north of the portal, and a grade-separated junction at Bowen Hills/Mayne. If both of these are not built, then the cross river rail tunnel will fail in it's objective to increase inner city rail capacity.

While this is a great project, we still need an inner city sub surface metro servicing the city and precincts out as far as Toowong or Indooroopilly and UQ.

What we are getting is an underground line that is still integrated into the existing QR network and it will still be subject to network delays caused outside the tunnel.

We still need a true subway on dedicated end to end lines using lighter rolling stock with quick loading and unloading capacity.  The BCC proposal for a true metro network to compliment the new line needs to be announced as well.

This has been discussed heavily to death on this forum recently.

The planned cross river rail tunnel is required by 2016 as the existing suburban rail lines will reach capacity. It will also open up more of Brisbane's CBD to rail transport.

The BCC have stated that an inner-city metro is not required until after 2026. An inner-city metro will not increase rail capacity for people trying to get into Brisbane from the suburbs which is currently a far more pressing issue than getting people around the CBD. As the government will be scraping the barrel to fund the urgently required cross city rail tunnel, where on earth do you think funding for a metro that is currently not required is going to come from? In the interim period the BCC plan 3 high frequency inner-city bus routes, the first of which is opening next month.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 24th March 2010 page 1

B-tube set for 2016

[ozbob]

If the line surfaces early onto the Ekka Line, then there must be two extra tracks north of the portal, and  a grade-separated junction at Bowen Hills/Mayne. If both of these are not built, then the cross river rail tunnel will fail in it's objective to increase inner city rail capacity.

Yes indeed Stephen, and I think this will happen in effect.  I am sure that the detailed planning process will address these concerns. 

The consultative processes will open up soon as well, perfect time to drive home these points ..

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Gabba should be rail hub, says lobby

Gabba should be rail hub, says lobby
TONY MOORE
March 25, 2010 - 5:21AM

Woolloongabba should emerge to be the centre of Brisbane's rail network in 20 years' time, a public transport lobby group said last night.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said he welcomed the new Cross River Rail plans as it offered opportunity for growth across all rail lines in South-East Queensland.

Mr Dow said the decision to link Central and Roma Street stations underground was crucial, as was the decision to make use of the under-utilised Exhibition rail line, where the proposed underground would emerge.

But he said in the longer term, after 2026, Woolloongabba should be explored as a major rail junction for South-East Queensland.

"Going to Woolloongabba is smart for the obvious reasons," he said.

"It gives access to the sporting precinct as well as the proposed transit-orientated developments around Woolloongabba.''

Mr Dow said Woolloongabba also offered longer-term benefits.

"We think they should be mindful of what new lines will need to be added later," he said.

"The line from Indooroopilly going under St Lucia, should actually go across to Woolloongabba and that could mean you could use Woolloongabba as a junction station.

"Now what that means is then you have a broad loop, which means you you get direct trains going into Woolloongabba from the western line, from Ipswich."

Mr Dow said, for now, the direct route for 2016 from Woolloongabba to the CBD and Bowen Hills was the best option.

And he praised the decision to provide a new link between Central and Roma Street station.

"The big plus is the inter-connectivity between Roma Street and Central stations," Mr Dow said.

He said this was far better than an earlier proposal to built a new station under Eagle Street.

"That was not to connect with Roma Street or Central. That has been corrected and that was a major problem with the early plans," he said.

"Because it would have meant there was no seamless movement between the other lines, so that is a big plus."

Mr Dow, who works at QUT, said it made sense to have a CBD station near the university's Gardens Point campus.

"The only public transport they've got, is the free city loop which can't do it, so they tend to walk a bit," he said.

[ozbob]

This article was in a bit of a hurry I think ..   any way the basic idea is the proposed line from Indooroopilly, St Lucia UQ, join up at Woolloongabba (yes has been mentioned before).

This would give great operational flexibility, footy flyers from Ipswich line direct to Gabba for example, inner loop all that.   QUT does have the river ferry, but in terms of mass transit not much capacity.

The Gabba would be another junction for all points south and west then.

The southern part of the CBD is being considered for some significant residential developments as well, this could be TOD and with some commercial stuff.  Access to the gardens from the Gardens Point station as well.

The other point is that the route announced yesterday will connect with either Central or Roma St (will be directly underneath one of those stations).  This is essential of course.

The bottom line is though the detailed planning for CRR should be mindful of future possibilities ....

:bi

[somebody]

How much more expensive would it be to build a quad tracked tunnel?

I'm not too worried about interchange at Central, actually.  That would only be useful for Beenleigh/Gold Coast lines to/from Ipswich line transfers.  bus/train transfers in the city are far more important.  The Edward St station was better located for the majority of walks from the train, and some bus transfers.  Isn't that more important than saving a 5 minute walk for people doing a transfer which is a clear minority of transfers that may be done. <dons flame proof suit>

[ozbob]

Yes, I am not too fussed where the southern CBD station actually is.  It will a be a short walk compared to a very long walk for many at the moment.

It is cool that there will be one!  A location for the maximum benefit for the most will get up, it will also depend of course on the alignment the finally selected particularly Central or Roma St??

[ozbob]

I think a quad track tunnel would be very very expensive, if the funding was unlimited maybe two twins?  Smaller diameter less earth removed?

[somebody]

I think a quad track tunnel would be very very expensive, if the funding was unlimited maybe two twins?  Smaller diameter less earth removed?

I meant an appropriate tunnel structure supporting 4 tracks.  Sounds like it might cost near to double what the twin track structure will, when you think about it like that.

[#Metro]

Cross River Rail Project Website now open.
http://www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/
Taking questions & feedback

FrereOP, with regards to a metro, this is a separate issue with a separate purpose to the CRR tunnel. Queensland Transport indicated that that the CRR will likely not remove the need for a future metro targeted at the inner 5km ring. This is simply due to the sheer size of the forecast population growth within the inner 5km ring.

Planning for such a metro system is in its initial stages as the BCC proposal in the Mass Transit Report 2007 was only purely conceptual in nature. Queensland Transport will also consider a Light Metro, along with other options and funding possibilities when the time comes.

Metro thread http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3411

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Metro
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_Light_Rail_Transit_System

[ozbob]

yesterday was a very significant day ...   media frenzy!   And so there should have been, not every day a project such as CRR gets real traction.

[#Metro]

Cross River Rail is just a small very big first step to a complete rail overhaul I think.
Bus has had its turn. Now it is time for upgrades of the rail services.
The timetable and funding are both tight for this project- at least 5 years until completion.

In the mean time, it would be really really good to get increased off peak frequency.
I suspect these new trains that are being delivered every month are sitting idle at a depot and are awaiting testing etc for a substantial amount of time before being brought into service.

Questions about a metro (seperate issue) can be directed to Queensland Transport.
The CRR team also passes questions about metro options to the relevant people inside QT.
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Projects_and_initiatives/Projects/Brisbane+inner+city+metro

[#Metro]

Something very interesting- the tunnel from Toowong via West End into the CBD was completely absent.
Is it on the back burner or has it been dropped completely?

[paulg]

Something very interesting- the tunnel from Toowong via West End into the CBD was completely absent.
Is it on the back burner or has it been dropped completely?

Cross River Rail is a detailed feasibility study for the first project identified in the Inner City Rail Capacity Study (target for delivery by 2016):
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Projects_and_initiatives/Projects/Inner_City_Rail_Capacity_Study/
The second project in the ICRCS has a target of 2026 and will be the subject of other studies. Only one of the possible corridors identified for this project went under West End.

Cheers, Paul

[Derwan]

If the line surfaces early onto the Ekka Line, then there must be two extra tracks north of the portal, and a grade-separated junction at Bowen Hills/Mayne. If both of these are not built, then the cross river rail tunnel will fail in it's objective to increase inner city rail capacity.

I didn't think about this before, but I see what you're talking about.  Without grade separation, services that currently use the suburbans (Beenleigh/Gold Coast) will essentially emerge on the mains (even then with some conflict).  This would be a recipe for disaster.  Also, the Beenleigh line is currently paired with Ferny Grove.  There is no alternative route other than via the current corridor - which limits flexibility.  (Perhaps they should pair Cleveland and Ferny Grove?)

[O_128]

Something very interesting- the tunnel from Toowong via West End into the CBD was completely absent.
Is it on the back burner or has it been dropped completely?

doesn't 8 billion sound a bit cheaper than 16billion??? (seems cheap or a 19km tunnel with 5 stations compared to airport link)

[#Metro]

That is about $420-450 million/km 
That IS really cheap for what it will do.

Just about the same price/km as building a busway...
But so many more people can use it.

[somebody]

(Perhaps they should pair Cleveland and Ferny Grove?)

This is almost a no brainer.  I don't remember it being mentioned in the ICRS though; equally, I don't remember the ICRS speaking against such a move.  It would be stupid to force the Beenleigh trains to use the slower route via South Brisbane except to the degree that is required to serve stations such as Dutton Park.  If the tunnel could start descending immediately to the north of there, that would be ideal, but I doubt that's the plan.  I'm not sure I'd mind closing Dutton Park if that's what's required to have the Beenleigh line trains in this tunnel.  I'm sure I'm going to be called crazy for that one.

It seems obvious that the tunnel needs to emerge either in the middle of the current suburbans, or to their east.

That is about $420-450 million/km 
That IS really cheap for what it will do.

Just about the same price/km as building a busway...
But so many more people can use it.

The first stage of the Eastern Busway is particularly expensive as the inner suburb real estate and tunnelling required do not come cheap.  A fairer comparison may be the SE busway from QSBS to 8 mile plains, or the Northern busway to QSBS from RB&WH.

The Boggo Rd busway (can't they come up with a decent name?) was similarly difficult, but it cost $217m for 1.5km.

I'd really rather a name something like the UQ busway or the Schonell busway.

[#Metro]

I'm sure it has a lot to do with ridiculously rising house and land prices.
Boggo Road Busway (state land, park) and QSBS to 8 Mile plains (freeway reserve) didn't require lots of private property resumptions. IIRC
The Boggo Road busway didn't include the cost of the river crossing IIRC.

[somebody]

I'm interested in hearing about the arrangements at the northern tunnel exit.  Will 6 tracks run as far as the junction for the Airport line?  Seems to be the best option, although one may question the bang/buck.

[stephenk]

Something very interesting- the tunnel from Toowong via West End into the CBD was completely absent.
Is it on the back burner or has it been dropped completely?

doesn't 8 billion sound a bit cheaper than 16billion??? (seems cheap or a 19km tunnel with 5 stations compared to airport link)

This tunnel is half of the two tunnel project, which is why the price tag is $8b as opposed to $16b for both tunnels. The second tunnel hasn't been dropped.

(Perhaps they should pair Cleveland and Ferny Grove?)

This is almost a no brainer.  I don't remember it being mentioned in the ICRS though
It seems obvious that the tunnel needs to emerge either in the middle of the current suburbans, or to their east.

The off-peak line pairings through the CBD after the first tunnel opening according to the ICRCS are:
Mains: Ipswich (2tph)/Rosewood (2tph) - Bowen Hills (2tph)/North Coast (2tph)
Suburbans: Springfield (4tph)/Beenleigh (4tph)/Cleveland (4tph) - Ferny Grove (4tph)/Petrie (2tph)/Caboolture(2tph)
New Tunnel: Gold Coast (4tph)/CBD (3tph) - Shorncliffe (4tph)/Airport (2tph)/Doomben (1tph)
(Numbers in brackets are trains terminating at that location).

These line pairings mean that there must be a grade separated junction around Mayne/Bowen Hills if the trains from the tunnel on the Exhibition Line (which again must be quadrupled) are to be able to access the suburbans without conflicting with trains on the mains and trains accessing Mayne. Alternatively the tunnel portal should be north of Bowen Hills as recommended in the ICRCS-Pre Feasibility Report.

Just another point here is that, as there are more trains in the new tunnel off-peak from the North, I would prefer to see them reverse south to north at Park Rd (with it's bus connections to UQ) rather than at one the CBD stations as currently planned. However, building an underground reversing siding at Park Rd would increase the price tag a bit.