Cross River Rail Project

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1201275711564083200

No real protection that I could see ...

https://twitter.com/CrossRiverRail/status/1204922591477141505

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/12/13/roma-street-cross-river-rail-priority-development-area-declared

Media Release

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Roma Street Cross River Rail Priority Development Area declared

A new Roma Street Cross River Rail Priority Development Area (PDA) has today been declared to support the renewal of Brisbane's underutilised inner-city transport precinct.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said declaring the approximately 32-hectare PDA will fast-track the development and delivery of the new underground Cross River Rail (CRR) station.

"The new Cross River Rail Roma Street station will be the city's pivotal arrival point, linking passengers with the existing interstate and suburban rail, the busway station and proposed Brisbane Metro station," Mr Dick said.

"Built around renewed heritage places, new public spaces, parkland, and potential major entertainment facilities, the location will become one of Brisbane's key cultural and recreational precincts.

"There will be unique opportunities for urban development, economic stimulation and job creation. It will provide critical public transport connectivity between the precinct and the city centre and to the nearby neighbourhoods of Petrie Terrace and Spring Hill."

Mr Dick said to ensure work on the new city inner station remains on track, an Interim Land Use Plan will be in place until the development scheme is finalised.

"With the PDA now declared the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority will work closely with the state government, Brisbane City Council and the community to finalise a development scheme for the site within the next 18 months," he said.

"The community will then have an opportunity to comment on the Roma Street Cross River Rail PDA proposed development scheme when it is publicly notified.

"It's also full steam ahead for another CRR project with the Albert Street CRR PDA Development Scheme now approved and in effect.

"The scheme is the planning framework that will guide the development of the two sites on the corner of Albert and Mary Streets to support the delivery of a new underground station.

"Albert Street CRR station will have a significant impact on how we move in and around our CBD.

"Located at a key city centre intersection, the new station will provide easy access to the landmark destinations in southern parts of our city including QUT's Gardens Point campus, the new Queen's Wharf casino and resort development, an upgraded Eagle Street business district and the City Botanic Gardens."

Minister for Cross River Rail Kate Jones said works had begun on the site, with the section of Albert Street between Mary and Charlotte streets now closed permanently to vehicles.

"This $5.4 billion project is beginning to take shape," Ms Jones said.

"Demolition activities are well underway, with piling works to begin soon that will create a solid foundation for the Albert Street construction access shaft.

"This will be the first train station built in the Brisbane CBD in more than 120 years and will create a new landmark in the heart of the city.

"Improving connectivity by public transport to the southern city centre, it is expected that almost 70,000 people will use the new Albert Street station each week day by 2036."

Cross River Rail is a 10.2 kilometre rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, including 5.9 kilometres of tunnel under the Brisbane River and City Centre.

The project includes five new high-capacity stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street, Roma Street and Exhibition, providing direct access to business, retail, education and entertainment.

For further information or construction details on the Albert Street CRR PDA visit crossriverrail.qld.gov.au.

For more information about the Roma Street Cross River Rail PDA declaration and Interim Land Use Plan visit edq.qld.gov.au or crossriverrail.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

[verbatim9]

Couriermail.com.au---> Plan to attract $20 billion of development on Cross River Rail sites

A plan to attract $20 billion of development and create 35,000 jobs on 22 hectares of prime real estate in the centre of Brisbane will be unveiled by the State Government today.

DEVELOPERS have been invited to detail their plans to transform five key locations across Brisbane as 22 hectares of prime real estate is unlocked through Cross River Rail.

The Government will today unveil plans to attract $20 billion worth of new development and 35,000 jobs through its new and redeveloped train stations at the Ekka, Roma Street, Albert Street, Woolloongabba and Boggo Road.

Cross River Rail Minister Kate Jones said the five new "high-capacity stations" provided the perfect opportunity for an array of new developments to transform Brisbane.

"The Delivery Strategy we're announcing today will see up to 22 hectares of prime real estate in the heart of Brisbane revitalised," she said.

"Expert analysis shows the Cross River Rail Precincts could generate up to $20 billion worth of new economic development and around 35,000 new jobs."

The Government has come up with themes for each site under the strategy ahead of consultation, which begins now. The Exhibition station will provide new, year-round services for the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and the RNA Showground Lifestyle precinct and accelerate the areas's urban renewal through a connected, health, housing and recreation hub.

Roma Street will become Brisbane's 'Grand Central station' and a western gateway for the city's premier cultural and entertainment offerings, including Brisbane Live and new shops and apartments.

Albert Street will be the first new CBD station built in 120 years as the street turns into a pedestrian-only space. Woolloongabba, with its iconic Gabba and a new pedestrian bridge over Main Street, would become a centre for sport, community and health businesses.

Boggo Road station would see the continued development of the area as an innovation precinct, specialising in research, health, science and education.

"The new Cross River Rail stations will connect people, communities and businesses providing opportunities for a wave of economic growth, development and investment, boosting our economy and creating jobs," Ms Jones said.

The $5.4 billion, 10.2km Cross River Rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills will provide a second river crossing for trains through 5.9km of tunnel under the Brisbane River and CBD. It will allow for turn-up-and-go services and will shave travel time to Brisbane's south and the Gold Coast.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Editorial: Cross River Rail will change the game

WHEN it comes to transformational projects for Brisbane, it doesn't get much bigger than the Cross River Rail (CRR). In fact, as fresh, new details were released over the weekend, it seems CRR will not only provide commuters with faster, easier options to get around, but the economic stimulus is clear to see.

CRR is much more than travelling on trains. As is seen in Japan, train stations are a hive of passenger activity and they have become commercial hubs.

The Brisbane project will spawn separate entertainment, health, housing, medical and cultural hubs for locals and international visitors.

It will also complement the private investment that is being pumped into projects such as Queen's Wharf.

Brisbane Live, the world-class entertainment precinct, is now part of CRR, which makes sense.

It is another strong feature in Queensland's 2032 Olympic bid.

If Queensland wants to win the Olympics, it must demonstrate that our transport infrastructure is world-class.

Winning the Olympics would speed up major infrastructure projects and CRR is the
game-changer. It connects people in a way that is revolutionary – certainly by Australian standards.

Of course, the Government is having to deal with the buffoonery of the CFMEU as it tries to extract the same deal it did with the Star Entertainment Group for Queen's Wharf. It was the Australian Workers' Union who struck a very lucrative deal with CRR bosses, guaranteeing workers averages of $190,000 a year.

But this was not good enough for the CFMEU. It wanted an extra $50,000 a year for its workers, plus a 5 per cent annual wage increase.

The Government must stick to its guns on wage deals with the CFMEU. They are an opportunistic union with a terrible record of industrial unlawfulness.

Queenslanders want this Labor Government to stare down the CFMEU. CRR is the project to do that. We cannot afford cost blowouts to this project, especially with the parlous nature of the state's finances and spiralling debt.

Nevertheless, we must appreciate the fact that CRR is a once-in-a-generation project that will make Brisbane a true world-class city.

The CRR train stations are proposed for the Exhibition precinct, Roma St, Albert St, Woolloongabba and Boggo Rd.

Health, science, education and research precincts will be created as a result of the new cutting-edge station around Boggo Rd, while the Albert St station will transform much of the CBD.

It will also signal the next wave of development and private investment for the city. That is so important because Queensland's economic narrative has stalled in recent years.

Getting greater private investment into Queensland is vital to bringing renewed economic growth, especially with global fiscal conditions tightening.

Queensland has struggled on its fiscal narrative in recent years under Labor. The fact that Labor has put on so many public servants has hurt the bottom line.

There is nothing wrong with extra public servants, as long as they are in front-line services.

CRR will go a long way towards putting our economic credentials back on track. It needs to be given every opportunity to succeed – and that includes the CFMEU being responsible in the way it negotiates its workplace agreements.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/12/18/major-demolition-for-cross-river-rail-ramps-up-at-roma-street

Media Statements

Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for Cross River Rail
The Honourable Kate Jones

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Major demolition for Cross River Rail ramps up at Roma Street

Cross River Rail Minister Kate Jones today announced the start of demolition for the Brisbane Transit Centre – marking the transformation of Roma Street to become Queensland's most significant transport interchange.

"This project will create thousands of jobs and will transform the way we travel – making it quicker and easier to catch a train no matter where you live in southeast Queensland," Ms Jones said.

"The start of demolition on Roma Street is a major milestone for Brisbane's largest ever infrastructure project.

"The Brisbane Transit Centre must come down to make way for the new underground Cross River Rail station.

"The site is made up of three buildings which will all be demolished over the coming year – the vacated Hotel Jen, the East Tower and the West Tower, which houses the Brisbane Transit Centre."

Ms Jones said demolition would be done progressively, with work already underway on Hotel Jen and structural demolition due to begin on the East Tower in the first quarter of 2020.

"We expect to start bringing down the central Brisbane Transit Centre building from March onwards. It's easily one of Brisbane's least loved buildings so it's great that we can already see signs of progress at Roma Street, as Cross River Rail continues with major construction," she said.

Demolition of the three buildings will take approximately a year to complete, with each building enclosed in scaffolding and demolished level by level, starting from the top and working down to ground level.

"This is one of Brisbane's largest ever demolition exercises," Ms Jones said.

"The Cross River Rail Precincts Delivery Strategy identifies great opportunities to revitalise the prime inner-city land that will be left behind.

"This will give us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to leverage billions of dollars' worth of private sector investment, leading to thousands of new jobs and ensuring Brisbane continues to evolve as a truly world class city."

Today's announcement comes after the Premier announced the start of market sounding for a new Brisbane Live entertainment arena, that could also form part of a new Roma Street precinct.

Throughout demolition at Roma Street and subsequent construction works, safe access will be maintained to transport services and thoroughfare to Roma Street Parkland. 

In September, the Brisbane Coach Terminal formerly housed inside the Transit Centre was closed and the new Coach Terminal facility located next to Platform 10 officially opened to provide continuity of services for long-distance bus passengers.

A plan has also been developed to ensure train and bus passengers have continued access to existing services as well as to Roma Street Parkland throughout the demolition and station construction works.

ENDS   

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/12/18/cross-river-rail-welcomes-1000th-worker-on-game-changing-project

Media Statements

Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for Cross River Rail
The Honourable Kate Jones

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Cross River Rail welcomes 1000th worker on game changing project

Cross River Rail Minister Kate Jones today announced more than 1000 people are hard at work on Queensland's largest infrastructure project.

The 1000th worker has been identified as a female engineer who came home to Brisbane to work on Cross River Rail after working interstate on another large infrastructure project.

"This government's number one priority is to create jobs. Already we've got 1000 workers on site but we're just warming up – this project will create around 7700 construction jobs including 450 opportunities for apprentices and trainees," Ms Jones said.

The 1000th worker on the project is Maija Bicevskis, a project engineer who has returned home to Queensland specifically to work on Cross River Rail and is working for CPB in the Rail, Integration and Systems Alliance.

Ms Bicevskis said she began the process to get herself transferred home from Melbourne as soon as Cross River Rail was announced.

"It's great to be back in Brisbane, working on a project that is going to change my hometown for the better and really help me develop in my career."

Ms Bicevskis, who also has links to the Lia Pootah people in Tasmania and is a graduate of QUT said; "I chose to go into electrical engineering because I always enjoyed maths and science subjects at school, and engineering seemed like a practical application of the subjects I liked.

"Now I work on designing and implementing the cable carrying system, which will help Cross River Rail trains to join back into the rail network near Bowen Hills.

"This project has given me a way into the rail construction industry which I hadn't worked in before. This will give me more opportunities and options by the end of the project."

Cross River Rail Minister Kate Jones said Ms Bicevskis' story showed just how important Cross River Rail was in providing career-defining opportunities for young people.

"We're very proud to mark this defining milestone by welcoming Maija to the Cross River Rail team to work on what is a truly transformative project," she said.

"Not only are we making it quicker and easier to travel right throughout southeast Queensland, we're creating unique job opportunities for the next generation of Queensland workers."

ENDS

[verbatim9]

It's long been known as one of our ugliest buildings - so much so the State Government today labelled the Brisbane Transit Centre on Roma Street an "iconic eyesore", as demolition began to make way for Cross River Rail. https://t.co/VZ3A1cpmr5 @patricklion #7NEWS https://t.co/SYwQ89LsYk

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1207213386821320704

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/12/20/queensland-contractors-benefitting-from-cross-river-rail

Media Statements

Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for Cross River Rail
The Honourable Kate Jones

Friday, December 20, 2019

Queensland contractors benefitting from Cross River Rail

Cross River Rail Minister Kate Jones today announced that a $40 million dollar contract awarded to Toowoomba-based construction company Wagners was 'just the beginning' of what Cross River Rail would mean for Queensland companies during construction of the project.

The deal, expected to span a nine-month period starting late next year, will see Wagners manufacture all the precast concrete tunnel segments for the new 10.2km rail line stretching from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills.

The segments will be made at the company's facility at Wacol and then installed in the rail line's 5.9km of twin tunnels beneath the Brisbane River and CBD once tunnelling begins in 2021.

"This is exactly the kind of economic growth and job creation that we have promised Cross River Rail will mean for Queensland," said Ms Jones.

"Cross River Rail is a world class project that demands the very best and this is a great example of how we already have globally-recognised companies right here in Queensland that can rise to the challenge.

"The Palaszczuk Government's number one priority is to create jobs for Queenslanders – this project ticks all the boxes."

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority CEO Graeme Newton said the sheer scale of opportunity for Queensland companies was only just beginning to reveal itself.

"We have awarded contracts for three major works packages and construction consortiums that have been awarded those contracts are now sub-contracting works to a wide variety of companies as workforces are established at sites right across the city."

ENDS

[ozbob]

The Australian --> Huawei wins Brisbane railway signals contract

Brisbane's Cross River Rail Authority has contracted Huawei to deliver its new digital signalling system, entrusting the safety of passengers to the Chinese company considered a "high-risk vendor" by the federal government.

The system runs off the 2G GSM network and is not affected by the government ban on Huawei's 5G network participation.

Cyber experts say the system could be used by a malicious actor to disrupt or — in extreme circumstances — derail train services.

The Brisbane rail network alread­y carries 55 million passengers a year, while the system will also control the movement of freight trains carrying goods to and from the Port of Brisbane.

It's understood Huawei bid about $18m to supply and imple­ment the technology, undercutting rivals by up to 50 per cent.

The federal government last year blocked "high-risk vendors", including Huawei and China's ZTE, from providing 5G equipment in Australia, but the director of UNSW's Canberra Cyber Centr­e at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Nigel Phair, said risks associated with Huawei were not confined to 5G technology.

The Brisbane rail network alread­y carries 55 million passengers a year, while the system will also control the movement of freight trains carrying goods to and from the Port of Brisbane.

It's understood Huawei bid about $18m to supply and imple­ment the technology, undercutting rivals by up to 50 per cent.

The federal government last year blocked "high-risk vendors", including Huawei and China's ZTE, from providing 5G equipment in Australia, but the director of UNSW's Canberra Cyber Centr­e at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Nigel Phair, said risks associated with Huawei were not confined to 5G technology.

"It comes down to Chinese legislation compelling all Chinese organisations to assist the state of China when called upon by the government. That's technology agnostic," he said.

Mr Phair said that rail control systems could be used to plunge networks into chaos. That ­included "having trains running or not ­running through, causing them to crash".

He said the decision also provided­ support to Huawei in its global push to supply key control systems at a time when Western countries, including Australia, were trying to lock down critical infrastructure.

A Cross River Rail spokesman said the Department of Home ­Affairs was consulted prior to the contract being finalised for Huawei to deliver the European Train Control System technology.

"The department provided advice about what process to follow and this advice was adhered to," the spokesman said. The decision to engage ­Huawei was made by project contractor Hitachi. The Department of Home Affairs said it advised owners and operators of Australia's critical infrastructure, including states and territories, on how to identify and manage nation­al security risks on a case-by-case basis.

"The Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 supports the government's approach by specifically managing national security risks of foreign involvement, particular­ly sabotage, coercion and espionage, in Australia's critical infrastructure assets," it said.

A Huawei spokesman declined to comment on "active commercial negotiations", but said the company was a world leader in deliveri­ng rail network technol­ogy. "In Australia, we have success­fully delivered our tech­nology to Sydney Trains for over 10 years and last year won the contract to deliver our technology to the Perth Metro project," he said.

It's understood other train networks in Australia have implemented 2G GSM systems with upgradable cores so they can more easily move to 5G technology when the 2G network is decommissioned, but Huawei would be unable to upgrade the system to 5G because of the ban on its ­involvement in the next-generation communications network.

State Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said the rail control system could become "a stranded asset costing taxpayers millions" when the 2G network was shut down. She said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk needed to explain why the state was "putting out the welcome mat" for Huawei when Western countries were banning it from critical systems.

The West Australian government was accused last year of ignoring safety concerns by naming Huawei as supplier of a $136m 4G radio system for its train network.

Looks like price was determinant, not security or long-term capability ... 

Frankly, I am becoming increasingly concerned with this project. 

Shaping up well to fit the ' half baked project ' outcome much favoured in Queensland ...

[#Metro]

$18 million?
50% below other offers?

It sounds too good to be true... maybe it is.

Oh well, maybe they want the new tunnel to open with signal failure on the first day, just like the RPL saga.

[verbatim9]

$18 million?
50% below other offers?

It sounds too good to be true... maybe it is.

Oh well, maybe they want the new tunnel to open with signal failure on the first day, just like the RPL saga.

Huawei is a market leader in this tech though. It's a shame the brand has been tarnished in recent years due to politics.

[ozbob]

Successfully implementing the ETCS is a difficult task, particularly as it needs to interface to the existing system as only a partial roll out.

I think this is one of the greatest challenges of the project.   Past performances are hardly inspirational but we live in hope hey? 

[HappyTrainGuy]

Look at the MBRL and how that worked out slightly cheaper...

[BrizCommuter]

This news is very concerning. I like my Huawei phone, but for ETCS? This is going to be a disaster!

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Cross River Rail construction to double with 11 new sites, 500 extra workers

As the demolition of the original Roma Street Transit Centre continues, the new year will see the Cross River Rail construction project more than double in size.

The state government confirmed 11 new worksites would open in 2020, on top of the seven present ones, with 500 new workers ready to start.

The first part of tunnelling on the project was expected to start in August, from Woolloongabba towards Boggo Road.

Work would start at the RNA Showgrounds Exhibition Station in April, Cross River Rail Minister Kate Jones said.

She said upgrade work was also set to begin at six stations from Salisbury to Fairfield in Brisbane's inner south, as well as construction on three new Gold Coast stations at Pimpama, Helensvale North and Merrimac.

"A worksite has now been established at Boggo Road, the existing site at Woolloongabba is already a hive of activity, demolition at Albert Street in the heart of the CBD is well advanced and work at Roma Street is well and truly under way," Ms Jones said.

The 18 Cross River Rail worksites running in 2020

New

Upgrades at Fairfield, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly, Moorooka, Rocklea, and Salisbury stations (starting in  June)
Exhibition Station, which currently only opens during the Ekka (starting in April)
Three new Gold Coast stations - Pimpama, Helensvale North and Merrimac (starting in September)
Work on the southern portal - from Woolloongabba to Boggo Road (starting in April)

Old

Boggo Road
Woolloongabba
Albert Street
Roma Street
Northern Portal (including rail corridor works)
Shorncliffe
Mayne Yard

"Regular rail users may have noticed extensive work has also begun in our rail corridors, particularly near Normanby, where the project's northern tunnel portal will be built.

"Cross River Rail will create 7700 construction jobs throughout south-east Queensland."

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority chief executive Graeme Newton said the project would "really kick up a gear" in 2020.

"We'll complete demolition at Roma Street and Albert Street, start tunnelling from Woolloongabba to Boggo Road, start work on station upgrades and the new Gold Coast stations, and we will have workers live on the project at as many as 18 sites across the city," he said.

In December, the decision was made to go ahead with the 17,000-seat Brisbane Live entertainment precinct above Roma Street railyards.

The idea to build the arena formed in 2007 but kicked off only when it became part of the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project after years of discussion between AEG Ogden and the government.

Brisbane Live will deliver 450 jobs each year during construction, with 1000 jobs in the peak year, and 600 ongoing jobs when operational.

The end of the Roma Street Transit Centre also started last month with workers taking the precinct apart "piece by piece", starting with Hotel Jen.

However, the project has not been without controversy in recent months, with the CFMEU holding repeated protests outside Parliament in late November and on the streets of Brisbane.

The union was angry the Australian Workers' Union was favoured to negotiate a deal with contractors CPB, and CFMEU state secretary Michael Ravbar said Mr Newton "couldn't build a cubby house".

Ms Jones insisted she would continue working with the unions, who had been threatening to withdraw support from Labor over concerns with the project.

She also denied union claims that overseas companies had been given contracts, saying all the Cross River Rail contractors had Brisbane offices.

She said Toowoomba-based company Wagner had recently secured a multimillion-dollar contract for concreting in the project.

The Fair Work Commission rejected the union's objections to a wage deal for the Cross River Rail project in November. The new agreement offers workers an annual pay rise of 3.5 per cent, but the union demanded 5 per cent.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1215190785420746752

[verbatim9]

The former Transit Centre carpark is now closed and fully barricaded off.

[SurfRail]

There was an old Metropolitan Transport Authority (think that was the name) "T" badge in the car park just beyond here right up until closure.  If memory serves there are still "T" plaques at South Brisbane (north end of P2/3) and somewhere in the Enoggera interchange.

[verbatim9]

#EXCLUSIVE: With construction on the Cross River Rail due to begin on Exhibition Station at Bowen Hills in the coming months, the new station will be raised above the old one and operate 365 days a year. @R_DAlessandro9 #9News https://t.co/J2i2uHZQqg

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1216996685592875008

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2020/1/15/have-your-say-on-the-design-of-the-new-exhibition-train-station

Media Release
Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Grace Grace

Have your say on the design of the new Exhibition train station

The proposed upgrades to the underused Exhibition train station has taken the next step, as the Palaszczuk Government's signature infrastructure project, Cross River Rail, ramps up.

Acting Minister for Cross River Rail and Member for McConnel Grace Grace has announced the start of consultation on the design concepts for the new station at the Ekka.

"Cross River Rail will deliver a new station at the RNA Showgrounds, providing year-round rail services for both the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, as well as the growing King Street lifestyle precinct," Ms Grace said.

"My local constituents and nearby workers have been telling me for a long time that the Exhibition station is an underutilised asset, so I am really pleased that it is being rebuilt as part of Cross River Rail and will be open all year round.

"The new and expanded station will transform the precinct into a key gateway between the inner city and Brisbane's northern suburbs.

"Travel to and from the four new underground Cross River Rail stations will be a matter of minutes, making access to one of Brisbane's fastest growing inner-city suburbs easier than ever before."

Ms Grace said local residents and other groups were invited to offer feedback on the station's design.

"The new Exhibition station will provide easier and safer rail access for thousands of Queenslanders making their annual pilgrimage to the iconic EKKA and the numerous other events held at the RNA," she said.

"It will be open all year round for the growing number of residents, workers and visitors, who will benefit from the kind of 'turn up and go' public transport that Cross River Rail is designed to make possible.

"The construction of Cross River Rail will revolutionise our city, cutting down on travel times, taking thousands of cars off our roads and making access to Brisbane's fastest growing inner-city suburb easier than ever before."

Ms Grace said only the Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing this vital piece of infrastructure to Brisbane.

"When they were in power under Campbell Newman the LNP scrapped Cross River Rail, we brought it back," she said.

"And the Federal LNP refused to help fund the $5.4 billion project, so we funded it ourselves.

"This project will leave a lasting legacy on our great city and will make the lives of everyone who lives, works and plays in the inner city much easier."

Features of the new Exhibition station will include:

-          Three new connections linking the King Street Precinct to Bowen Park, including replacement of the existing RNA Cattle Underpass.

-          A pedestrian and cyclist link connecting the station to Bowen Bridge Road

-          New 165m long island platform and canopy

-          Accessibility lifts and stairs to the platform

-          New accessible toilets and parents' room

-          New secure bicycle storage facility

-          New accessible ticketing gates.


Consultation is now open and closes on 7 February.

Information on consultation is available at: https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/exhibition, by email info@unityalliance.com.au or by phone 1800 010 875.

[JimmyP]

Not being built to 9car length if it's only 165m...

[Gazza]

Yeah, NGR is 147m long, so i was expecting 220m.

Clarification from the team needed?

Either that, or its like the new GC stations, which wont be full length either, and will be extended when we order 9 car sets.

[timh]

Well if they're asking for feedback, can we submit feedback to ask for a 220m station when it's initially built?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

Well if they're asking for feedback, can we submit feedback to ask for a 220m station when it's initially built?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Looking at the video at least platforms are full height full length, that should be a given these days.

[nathandavid88]

With regards to the platform length, I was just looking at the renders on the CRR website and noticed this render:



Could the concrete edges at either end of the platform, which also appear in the 9News bit above, be the full 9 car length?  I think they're building a 6 platform station, but one that is especially designed to be extended when required.

[ozbob]

^ thanks.  Certainly looks like set up for future 9 car train length.

[Gazza]

There could be pros and cons with building full length.

Obviously cheaper and less disruptive to do it in one hit.

But if you build it early then you are stuck having to clean the whole lot, and could lead to passenger confusion with respect to where a current 6 car set will stop.

Presumably with the underground stations they'll be able to put in temporary walls till 9 car sets become routine.

[timh]

There could be pros and cons with building full length.

Obviously cheaper and less disruptive to do it in one hit.

But if you build it early then you are stuck having to clean the whole lot, and could lead to passenger confusion with respect to where a current 6 car set will stop.

Presumably with the underground stations they'll be able to put in temporary walls till 9 car sets become routine.

Couldn't they just place temporary fencing (with a nice wrap or something) at exhibition station to do the same thing?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[verbatim9]

I am supportive of the proposed new rebuild of the station. The current station is inadequate in many ways including disability standards. The new proposed cycle and pedestrian link to Bowen Bridge road is a win for everyone and needed to quarantine the area for specific events, while keeping the Station open to the Public

[Gazza]

There could be pros and cons with building full length.

Obviously cheaper and less disruptive to do it in one hit.

But if you build it early then you are stuck having to clean the whole lot, and could lead to passenger confusion with respect to where a current 6 car set will stop.

Presumably with the underground stations they'll be able to put in temporary walls till 9 car sets become routine.

Couldn't they just place temporary fencing (with a nice wrap or something) at exhibition station to do the same thing?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

I thought about that, but it would be too easy to just swing around the end of the fence and walk along the platform edging and go cause mischief, tag etc.

[Cleveland Line]

^ thanks.  Certainly looks like set up for future 9 car train length.

On this page states, "165m long island platform with future provision for extending to nine-car trains"

https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/exhibition-station/

[Cleveland Line]

^ thanks.  Certainly looks like set up for future 9 car train length.

On this page states, "165m long island platform with future provision for extending to nine-car trains"

https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/exhibition-station/

Also says will be "open all year round. 365 days". Does anyone know how this is faciliated during Ekka for commuters/ regular passengers when the station entrance is within the showgrounds and you don't have a Ekka ticket?

[verbatim9]

^ thanks.  Certainly looks like set up for future 9 car train length.

On this page states, "165m long island platform with future provision for extending to nine-car trains"

https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/exhibition-station/

Also says will be "open all year round. 365 days". Does anyone know how this is faciliated during Ekka for commuters/ regular passengers when the station entrance is within the showgrounds and you don't have a Ekka ticket?

The new proposed cycle and pedestrian link to Bowen Bridge road is a win for everyone and needed to quarantine the area for specific events, while keeping the Station open to the Public

[burgo]

This was taken yesterday about a week after the Roma Street pedestrian overpass was closed. It should also be mentioned that the only pedestrian crossing connecting George Street to Roma Street Station at Herschel St does not have a countdown timer. The pavement along that section is also not consistent. This 'desire' path will continue to be dangerous in order for people to make train times.

Edit: I can't figure out how to embed the tweet. Essentially people are now crossing two roads following under the general path of the now closed pedestrian overpass.

https://twitter.com/officialburgo/status/1219146342666137601

[Admin: when posting tweet just the url without " ?s=21 or variants of that "  No BBC code is needed, it is deprecated.  Thanks]

[STB]

^ thanks.  Certainly looks like set up for future 9 car train length.

On this page states, "165m long island platform with future provision for extending to nine-car trains"

https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/exhibition-station/

Also says will be "open all year round. 365 days". Does anyone know how this is faciliated during Ekka for commuters/ regular passengers when the station entrance is within the showgrounds and you don't have a Ekka ticket?

I just got off the phone with surprisingly an Engineer working on that project and he advised me that there will be two entrances/exits, one to O'Connell Tce and one to Gregory Tce, and that one of those entrances will be closed off on a temporary basis during the Ekka period where the only way to access it is via an Ekka ticket, however the other entrance/exit will remain open 24/7 everyday of the year.  It's expected that QR will place signage indicating the changed ped movements during the Ekka.

Edit: Can I just mention how easy it was to be transferred from the customer information line to an actual Engineer working on the project, made communication so much easier compared to trying to talk to the TL Planners where by you've got to jump through several hoops to even attempt it and even then it's highly unlikely you'll get to speak to an actual Planner, more likely ending up with a simple 'Thank you for your feedback, it will be considered'.  Seriously, reminded me what it was like in the early days of TL being around, no mucking about, if you wanted to speak to an actual Planner from TL, all you had to do was ring the customer service line and you'll get transferred, or you can ask for a callback and the actual Planner will contact you and not a customer service officer who wouldn't have a clue about the technicalities of what you are trying to explain.

[timh]

^ thanks.  Certainly looks like set up for future 9 car train length.

On this page states, "165m long island platform with future provision for extending to nine-car trains"

https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/exhibition-station/

Also says will be "open all year round. 365 days". Does anyone know how this is faciliated during Ekka for commuters/ regular passengers when the station entrance is within the showgrounds and you don't have a Ekka ticket?

I just got off the phone with surprisingly an Engineer working on that project and he advised me that there will be two entrances/exits, one to O'Connell Tce and one to Gregory Tce, and that one of those entrances will be closed off on a temporary basis during the Ekka period where the only way to access it is via an Ekka ticket, however the other entrance/exit will remain open 24/7 everyday of the year.  It's expected that QR will place signage indicating the changed ped movements during the Ekka.

Edit: Can I just mention how easy it was to be transferred from the customer information line to an actual Engineer working on the project, made communication so much easier compared to trying to talk to the TL Planners where by you've got to jump through several hoops to even attempt it and even then it's highly unlikely you'll get to speak to an actual Planner, more likely ending up with a simple 'Thank you for your feedback, it will be considered'.  Seriously, reminded me what it was like in the early days of TL being around, no mucking about, if you wanted to speak to an actual Planner from TL, all you had to do was ring the customer service line and you'll get transferred, or you can ask for a callback and the actual Planner will contact you and not a customer service officer who wouldn't have a clue about the technicalities of what you are trying to explain.

What number did you ring??? Theres so many details I'd like to find out from them... :O

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[verbatim9]

This was taken yesterday about a week after the Roma Street pedestrian overpass was closed. It should also be mentioned that the only pedestrian crossing connecting George Street to Roma Street Station at Herschel St does not have a countdown timer. The pavement along that section is also not consistent. This 'desire' path will continue to be dangerous in order for people to make train times.

Edit: I can't figure out how to embed the tweet. Essentially people are now crossing two roads following under the general path of the now closed pedestrian overpass.

https://twitter.com/officialburgo/status/1219146342666137601

[Admin: when posting tweet just the url without " ?s=21 or variants of that "  No BBC code is needed, it is deprecated.  Thanks]

Yeah pedestrians and cyclists need to cross at Roma Street where Parkland Boulevard meets. The stop light phase is very slow at that intersection. Waiting times can be long for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Roma Street at that intersection. I had mentioned this at the beginning of last year in the Council's pedestrian and cycling safety and priority iniative. Nothing has been improved in this area.

Sent from my moto g(6) plus using Tapatalk

[verbatim9]

This was taken yesterday about a week after the Roma Street pedestrian overpass was closed. It should also be mentioned that the only pedestrian crossing connecting George Street to Roma Street Station at Herschel St does not have a countdown timer. The pavement along that section is also not consistent. This 'desire' path will continue to be dangerous in order for people to make train times.

Edit: I can't figure out how to embed the tweet. Essentially people are now crossing two roads following under the general path of the now closed pedestrian overpass.

https://twitter.com/officialburgo/status/1219146342666137601

[Admin: when posting tweet just the url without " ?s=21 or variants of that "  No BBC code is needed, it is deprecated.  Thanks]

Yeah pedestrians and cyclists need to cross at Roma Street where Parkland Boulevard meets. The stop light phase is very slow at that intersection. Waiting times can be long for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Roma Street at that intersection. I had mentioned this at the beginning of last year in the Council's pedestrian and cycling safety and priority iniative. Nothing has been improved in this area.

Sent from my moto g(6) plus using Tapatalk

I also wrote to Council for a solution when the Busway is closed as there will be extra bus traffic along Roma Street sharing space with cyclists. They replied it's not our issue. Cross River Rail is in control of that corridor during the project.

To Council Planning,

In relation Cross River Rail and the redevelopment of the Roma St precinct; A segregated twoway cycleway should be built on the full length of Roma Street from Countess St with a floating bus stop outside Police HQ. It can connect with the George St cycle way that can continue to QUT and also continue to the Pullman hotel on the Court side along Roma Street. This would provide traffic calming and improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Plus discourage unnecessary private vehicle movements in the area minimising local air and noise pollution plus traffic congestion.

I hope this idea can be worked in with Council's long term plan to provide safe and active transport solutions in the area.

Regards,

Reply from Council asking me to contact the Cross River Authority for a solution

Thank you for contacting Brisbane City Council providing feedback regarding the Cross River Rail project.

I appreciate the time you have taken to forward your suggestion.

The Cross River Rail project team is the best authority for managing enquiries about this work.

Sent from my moto g(6) plus using Tapatalk

[nathandavid88]

This was taken yesterday about a week after the Roma Street pedestrian overpass was closed. It should also be mentioned that the only pedestrian crossing connecting George Street to Roma Street Station at Herschel St does not have a countdown timer. The pavement along that section is also not consistent. This 'desire' path will continue to be dangerous in order for people to make train times.

From memory, there are supposed to be major alterations to occur to the Roma Street/George Street/Herschel Street intersections that would improve the pedestrian crossing situations in that area. Why these have not yet been implemented I'm not certain - possibly because they aren't possible during the current demolition phase maybe?

In other news, I notice that a PDF is out showing the proposed changes for Fairfield Station. Here are some JPEGs of the 2 page PDF. Construction is scheduled for mid-year.

[verbatim9]

This was taken yesterday about a week after the Roma Street pedestrian overpass was closed. It should also be mentioned that the only pedestrian crossing connecting George Street to Roma Street Station at Herschel St does not have a countdown timer. The pavement along that section is also not consistent. This 'desire' path will continue to be dangerous in order for people to make train times.

From memory, there are supposed to be major alterations to occur to the Roma Street/George Street/Herschel Street intersections that would improve the pedestrian crossing situations in that area. Why these have not yet been implemented I'm not certain - possibly because they aren't possible during the current demolition phase maybe?

In other news, I notice that a PDF is out showing the proposed changes for Fairfield Station. Here are some JPEGs of the 2 page PDF. Construction is scheduled for mid-year.

Looks like a huge improvement.