Cross River Rail Project

[Stillwater]

Much of the rhetoric on the CRR website pitches to the aspiration of what the project could do if planned property rather than the reality.

For example, we find these words: "Cross River Rail will also provide the capacity to support other rail network growth projects, such as building new rail connections to the Sunshine Coast, Ripley, and Flagstone." Does that mean there is a state government plan to build a NEW RAIL CONNECTION to the Sunshine Coast?

And while we are at it, can the state government please define what it means by the 'Sunshine Coast'? Is it Nambour, Maroochydore or Beerwah? Lately, improving track and train services to Beerwah is the default 'Sunshine Coast' desto.

And then we have this wording: "With increased capacity for more frequent rail services, Cross River Rail could mean for the Sunshine Coast a train leaving for Brisbane every 15 minutes on average in the morning peak on the Nambour line, north of Caboolture, with capacity for an extra 450 seats."

What mental gymnastics occurred to arrive at a situation whereby a train can leave Nambour in the morning peak "every 15 minutes", yet an anticipated low 450 EXTRA SEATS will be provided? That simply must mean one extra train. So why not say that?

The practicalities of CRR need to be explained more beyond the hype.

[ozbob]

The failure to detail how the network will actually operate, the network operational plan, is cause for great concern.

Other jurisdictions with similar scale projects proudly promote this information.  CRR is just vague spin and fluff.

Hence we had to work out what the operational plan will look like (quoted below).

The detailed service plan is still being worked on according to Government sources.  How can you plan stabling etc. if you don't know the service plan?   

Sad ...

Sector 1
Rosewood <> BNE Airport
Springfield Central <> Shorncliffe
Roma St <> Doomben

Sector 2
Cleveland <> Ferny Grove

Sector 3
Varsity Lakes <> Gympie North
Beenleigh <> Kippa-Ring

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2034.msg246767#msg246767

Note: The suggested pairings are fluid in the sense that in peak trains could connect with lines the same sector of course, but the pairs would be the majority of workings. Pairings don't indicate that all services meet those pairs end to end.
They don't now, and wouldn't in 2025.

[ozbob]

^

[ozbob]

And then we have this wording: "With increased capacity for more frequent rail services, Cross River Rail could mean for the Sunshine Coast a train leaving for Brisbane every 15 minutes on average in the morning peak on the Nambour line, north of Caboolture, with capacity for an extra 450 seats."

^ 3 car train.  Wow!!

It is possible it is a cryptic reference to 9 car trains leaving every 15 minutes ....   

[Arnz]

And then we have this wording: "With increased capacity for more frequent rail services, Cross River Rail could mean for the Sunshine Coast a train leaving for Brisbane every 15 minutes on average in the morning peak on the Nambour line, north of Caboolture, with capacity for an extra 450 seats."

^ 3 car train.  Wow!!

It is possible it is a cryptic reference to 9 car trains leaving every 15 minutes ....   

Could be 1 6-car train with all 450 passenger fully seated, if we are referring to seats.  But yes, that's only 'token' at best.

[ozbob]

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/events/han/2021/2021_09_14_DAILY.pdf

Queensland Parliament  Hansard

Ministerial Statements

Cross River Rail

Hon. MC BAILEY (Miller—ALP) (Minister for Transport and Main Roads) (9.59 am): Our strong
health response is making Queensland the place to be. Our population is booming, with two-thirds of
the rapid growth predicted to come to South-East Queensland. With the disaster that is the New South
Wales COVID response, plus the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, we will be
seeing even more people come to the Sunshine State.

With enormous population growth comes pressure on Queensland's transport system. That is
why the Palaszczuk Labor government is making a record investment in major road and transport
infrastructure including the Cross River Rail project. This project will transform public transport while
backing jobs and our economy.

By the end of this year, more than 3,000 people will have worked on this project, which is on time
and on budget. I joined 50 of these workers at a morning safety briefing just over a week ago. Over a
hearty barbecue breakfast, Big Jerry and Jayson talked the crews through the focus of the day and
what they needed to be aware of. Workers were engaged, asking questions, and were ready to hit the
underground running. After this briefing I toured more than seven kilometres of tunnelling completed
since January.

Going north to Roma Street via Albert Street and then south to Woolloongabba, experienced
tunnel manager Tai showed me what crews had achieved in such a short space of time. I can report
that the impressive roadheader machines are close to breaking through at the future Boggo Road
station. Even in a site buggy it is amazing how quick it is to go from Woolloongabba to Roma Street
underground. It is just over 2.5 kilometres of twin tunnels between two of our likely key Olympic venues
in 2032. This halves the current rail journey through South Bank and the Merivale Bridge, which is more
than five kilometres in length.

Cross River Rail will mean a quicker commute time into the heart of the city for our workers to
the new Albert Street station under construction now. Workers like those I met also benefit from the
contracts with 800 Queensland suppliers and subcontractors that have supported this project. Cross
River Rail is injecting $4 million into our economy every single day. What we know for certain is that
Queensland is growing rapidly, with 88 per cent of net migration coming here in the next few years
because of our strong health response. A growing state needs a growing transport system. That is what
the Palaszczuk Labor government is delivering. Cross River Rail will transform public transport in
South-East Queensland and cement Brisbane where it rightly belongs—as one of the world's great
cities. It will be awesome.

[Stillwater]

"I will make Brisbane even greater (again)." (with apologies to Donald Trump)

[Gazza]

Here's how I think the portal and eventual long term corridor could be ultimatley done.

Dutton park needs 4 tracks, which could be fitted like this. Means two tracks thread either side of the DG flyover.

A portal for a southern tunnel could go in the vicinity of southall st where there is a widening in the corridor.

[verbatim9]

Completed concrete wall structures and tunneling. Boring machines will reach Normanby by December.

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/10NewsFirstQLD/status/1438764392158535681

[#Metro]

^ So, when are RBOT members getting a tour? 

[ozbob]

^ So, when are RBOT members getting a tour? 

Been on hold for a few months.  Will see if something can be done October/November.

[SteelPan]

"Town Hall"
good to see modern "journos" putting as much accuracy into things as ever!     

[ozbob]

[BrizCommuter]

An interesting read, which mentions some of the Dutton Park to Salisbury issues.
https://www.portbris.com.au/getmedia/b793e8b5-edee-4945-850f-6feec8835720/DAE-Connecting-Inland-Rail-to-the-Port-of-Brisbane.pdf

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2021/953-2021.pdf

Question on Notice

No. 953

Asked on 1 September 2021

MR R MOLHOEK ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister provide the 2020-21 separate costs for Cross River Rail social media advertising
and the billboard advertising at The Gabba?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Southport for the question.

Cross River Rail is a transformational transport project, and the Cross River Rail Delivery
Authority (the Delivery Authority) is responsible for ensuring the community is informed about the
project's progress, particularly in relation to unavoidable construction impacts. The project will
benefit Gold Coast residents who commute to the CBD and the Gabba Cricket Ground with a
more direct route, cutting travel times as well as providing three new Gold Coast stations at
Pimpama, Hope Island and Merrimac.

Given the scale of construction, the Delivery Authority uses a wide range of communication
channels to ensure project information about impacts reaches as many people as possible.
Social media is one of those channels, and the estimated actual spend on social media
advertising for 2020–21 was $105,159 (including GST), which includes activity across LinkedIn,
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Delivery Authority has arrangements in place with Stadiums Queensland for a branded
presence at The Gabba at nil cost. The Delivery Authority has not invested in billboard
advertising.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2021/956-2021.pdf

Question on Notice

No. 956

Asked on 1 September 2021

MR R STEVENS ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister advise (a) how many additional train drivers and guards will be required to
operate the expanded rail fleet that will be in place once Cross River Rail opens and (b) the date
when hiring and training for these drivers will commence?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Mermaid Beach for the question.

Queensland Rail, the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (the Delivery Authority) and the
Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) are working closely together to support the
planning, delivery and implementation of the Cross River Rail project.

Train crew requirements will depend on a number of factors, including the long-term impacts of
COVID-19 on public transport. In Queensland, patronage remains at approximately 70 per cent
of pre-pandemic levels. Network planning experts from TMR, Queensland Rail, and the Delivery
Authority will continue to monitor developments over the next four years to Cross River Rail
opening.

As part of the project development process, Queensland Rail is working with TMR and the
Delivery Authority to develop the future service plan. The exact number of rollingstock and
traincrew required at the opening of Cross River Rail will be identified through this ongoing work.
Queensland Rail will continue to maintain an adequate supply of traincrew to meet service level
requirements.

Cross River Rail is due to be operational in four years and the exact configuration and frequency
of rail services, and the associated rollingstock and traincrew requirements, will be planned for
well ahead of its opening.

[Stillwater]

"Cross River Rail is due to be operational in four years and the exact configuration and frequency of rail services, and the associated rollingstock and traincrew requirements, will be planned for well ahead of its opening."

That's the equivalent of a director of a stage production faced with disastrous rehersals telling everyone: "Don't worry, it will be alright on the night."

Or: "we'll cut our cloth according to what we have on hand at the time of CRR opening."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1447487223318958085

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> 'Long-standing issues': 137-year-old train station to be transformed $

One of Brisbane's most outdated train stations will be completely rebuilt to improve accessibility in time for Cross River Rail.

The train station at Dutton Park was built 137 years ago and is one of the oldest stations in South East Queensland.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey will announce in parliament today the total rebuild of the station, which he says is long overdue.

"The rebuild presents an opportunity to remedy long-standing issues at the current station and makes it easier and safer for locals to use public transport," Mr Bailey said. ...

^

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1448298098006970374

[ozbob]

Construction update Dutton Park station

During October 2021, UNITY Alliance will commence early works in preparation for construction
activities at Dutton Park station.

https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/cross-river-rail/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/29144758/0132_WN_-_Construction_update_-_Dutton_Park_October_2021.pdf

[kram0]

This will be interesting considering the challenges the engineers have experienced. Will it be only two platforms as my mate suggested was the likely outcome?

[ozbob]

This will be interesting considering the challenges the engineers have experienced. Will it be only two platforms as my mate suggested was the likely outcome?

Yes, two platforms.

" ... The revamped station will include new entry points, two raised platforms, a pedestrian overpass, shade canopies and bike storage. ... "

From CM article above ...

[#Metro]

Why not just demolish and leave it at that?  :conf

Boggo Road is very close by and is a much better station. It's not the first time a station was amalgamated on the BL line. Main reason it was saved was because Jackie Trad wanted to fend off Green team and thus changed the entire CRR tunnel portal plans to accommodate that.

Gloucester street station existed between park road and south bank and was closed.

[kram0]

I believe they need to keep it. If your catching the train and live in in the south/east of this pocket, all of a sudden your walk is not a short one to Boggo Rd, therefore not convenient.

[#Metro]

I believe they need to keep it. If your catching the train and live in in the south/east of this pocket, all of a sudden your walk is not a short one to Boggo Rd, therefore not convenient.

POLL created, responses to this thread please: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=14428.msg251726

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

[Cazza]

Why is the bike storage a good hike away from the station? What's wrong with a bike cage near the Annerley Rd access? (It does appears to be a pedestrian path under Annerley Rd which is great, however, there also appears to be plenty of space for bike storage at the station entrance on both the east side and Noble St/Annerley Rd corner, so why not put it, or even a second one, there?). The only reason I can see if that it connects with the bikeway behind the PA Hospital and allows bikers to walk under Annerley Rd.

And I'm not sure whether I like the platforms on the inside of the curves (to ensure there is no huge step up like the outbound platform at Gaythorne but obviously still leaves a gap between the train and platform) or another configuration would suit better (to save space and allow express trains to pass easily). That portal configuration (and the track configuration just south of here) looks absolutely detrimental to the railway operations, similar story on the northside. Speaking of flat junctions...

"You'll see that very efficiently operated railways tend to have lots of flyovers"

Not here in Queensland baby! I went along the ICB recently past the rail yards and with the amount of construction work going on just north of Mayne, I'm honestly even more shocked than ever that there isn't going to be any sort of grade separated junctions here. If you're already going to all this extra would to reconfigure the Mayne Yards, there surely is room for an extra $50 odd million to significantly improve the long term rail operations.

[#Metro]

CURVED platforms? 

Why not shift the station a bit and straighten it a bit?

Cavalier approach really for the sake of a hard hat pic on Social Media and a press release.

Lipstick on a pig curved platforms are in a new design.

[nathandavid88]

^^ Probably because if you move it further south to a straight stretch of track, you are in the middle of a residential area halfway to Fairfield Station and even further away from the PA than Park/Boggo Road is.

[ozbob]

Media Release

14th October 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

FIRST LOOK: Cross River Rail to transform accessibility at Dutton Park station

A new concept design that shows how one of the most outdated train stations on Brisbane's southside will be completely rebuilt to improve accessibility in time for Cross River Rail has been unveiled.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Dutton Park station rebuild was a major win for local residents and regular commuters.

"The rebuild presents an opportunity to remedy long-standing issues at the current station and makes it easier and safer for locals to use public transport," Mr Bailey said.

"It's another important part of our COVID-19 recovery plan which is strengthening our economy and creating jobs.

"We've worked closely with key groups to plan the upgrade, with a focus on making the station easier to access for people using wheelchairs or walking frames, and parents with prams.  

"In consultation with Cross River Rail's accessibility reference group and the Queensland Accessible Transport Advisory Council, we're delivering what the local community needs and deserves."

As one of South East Queensland's oldest stations, Mr Bailey said the rebuild was long overdue. 

"Opened more than 130 years ago, Dutton Park is one of seven stations that will be rebuilt on Brisbane's southside in time for Cross River Rail's opening in 2025," he said.

"Features of the new Dutton Park station include new entry points, two raised platforms making it easier to board and disembark from trains, a pedestrian overpass which includes a lift to the platforms, shade canopies, drinking fountains and bike storage.

"This will not only benefit the local community, but will mean access to the nearby Princess Alexandra Hospital will be more convenient for more people as well."

Mr Bailey said the new Dutton Park station would be the closest to the project's southern portal, where trains would enter and exit the twin tunnels.

"This is one of the project's more challenging sections from an engineering perspective," he said.

"The designers have done a terrific job working out how to best thread an underground line through a busy and congested rail corridor, while incorporating the new Dutton Park station at the same time.

"Once built, the southern portal will connect the existing rail corridor to the new underground station at Boggo Road, where twin roadheaders recently broke through two months ahead of schedule.

"The two, 115-tonne machines bore through more than 900 metres of rock to emerge at Boggo Road last month, effectively connecting Roma Street and Boggo Road beneath the river. 

"This is yet another example of how Cross River Rail is transforming South East Queensland now and into the future."

Mr Bailey said the Cross River Rail project was an important part of Queensland's future, as the state's population booms. 

"Major infrastructure projects backed by the Palaszczuk Government are creating jobs and rebuilding Queensland's economy," he said.

"Pumping more than $4 million a day into the economy, this critical project is helping drive Queensland's economic recovery from COVID-19 and was key to securing the 2032 Olympics.

"When trains start running through the twin tunnels in 2025, more than 7700 workers, including 450 trainees and apprentices can boast they had a hand in building the project - re-defining how people travel across South East Queensland and into the inner city."

Mr Bailey said early works, including geotechnical investigations, surveys and environmental monitoring were ongoing, while major construction was expected to commence in early 2022. 

Community consultation for the Dutton Park concept design will take place from Monday 18 October to Friday 12 November, and will include drop-in sessions with the Cross River Rail team.

More information is available on Cross River Rail's website.

Dutton Park station fast facts:

    Dutton Park station will be the closest station to the southern portal of Cross River Rail's twin tunnels.
    Major construction is expected to start in early 2022, to be completed ahead of Cross River Rail's opening in 2025.
    Key features of the current station design include: 
        New station entry points on Noble Street, Kent Street and Annerley Road;
        Two new high-level platforms for improved customer accessibility;
        An overpass connecting Noble Street and Annerley Road, both of which include a staircase and lift to the platform;
        Station buildings including a ticket office, staff facilities and a publicly accessible toilet;
        Integrated transport connection at the Noble Street entry with an adjacent bus stop, and;
        Provision for Kent Street accessible parking and kiss 'n' ride facilities.

Drop-in sessions during the community consultation period will take place at Hefferan Park in Annerley on Wednesday 27 October (7.30am to 9.30am), Wednesday 3 November (7.30am to 9.30am) and Saturday 6 November (9am to 11am). 

ENDS

[#Metro]

BIG question

- the platforms are raised but will they be raised for the full length?
- Will there be a gap anywhere along the platform when a train is docked there?

[SurfRail]

^ I expect that would be why they have gone with convex platforms in both directions - so the train will cant towards the platform and make it easier to manage that issue.

[nathandavid88]

BIG question

- the platforms are raised but will they be raised for the full length?

Considering they're rebuilding the entire station from scratch, I don't see why not. The usual reasons behind adding a hump (it's quicker and cheaper) shouldn't really apply when its a full rebuild.

[#Metro]

Could we have confirmation from CRR DA/TMR/Minister for Social Media that is indeed the actual case?

[nathandavid88]

^ I expect that would be why they have gone with convex platforms in both directions - so the train will cant towards the platform and make it easier to manage that issue.

The renders of the new station seem to support that. Note the stepped lip of the platform edges:

[verbatim9]

Brisbane Development---->https://brisbanedevelopment.com/cross-river-rail-to-transform-dutton-park-station-with-new-rebuild/

[ozbob]

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2021/1031-2021.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1031
Asked on 14 September 2021

MR R STEVENS ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the item on the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Contract Disclosure Log
2020–21 referred to as 'CRRDA-231-18 V005 Commercial Services and Market Research' worth
$278,826 from supplier KPMG—


Will the Minister advise what market research was undertaken and provide the full findings?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Mermaid Beach for the question.

The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (the Delivery Authority) has engaged KPMG to assist in
the assessment of the project's social licence and project information messaging.

Infrastructure Australia's An Assessment of Australia's Future Infrastructure Needs: The
Australian Infrastructure Audit 2019 notes that "community opposition has contributed to the delay
or cancellation of more than $20 billion of infrastructure projects over the last decade".

The market research gives the Delivery Authority insight into the community's understanding of
the project which, in turn, assists in raising awareness about the project, including construction
impacts, and project benefits.

While the specifics of this research activity and the full research findings are commercial-inconfidence,
the research has identified strong community support for Cross River Rail and the transformative role
it will play in how people travel to, from, and around South East Queensland.

Public support for Cross River Rail is at a high level because residents of South East Queensland
understand its benefits, including new stations and extra service capacity for Gold Coast
commuters. The community further understands it is the Palaszczuk Government that has made
difficult decisions to deliver this project.

====

" .. While the specifics of this research activity and the full research findings are commercial-inconfidence,  .. "

I call bullsh%t!  This stuff is no more commercial in confidence than my bum!

[ozbob]

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2021/1052-2021.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1052
Asked on 14 September 2021

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

QUESTION:

With reference to the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority's Compliance Unit—

Will the Minister advise how many non-compliances the unit has identified and provide details of
each, including the rectification actions required?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Theodore for the question.

The Palaszczuk Government's priority is to ensure Queenslanders benefit first and foremost
when it comes to government-funded infrastructure projects.

The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (the Delivery Authority) established a dedicated
compliance unit in February 2020, appointing a Chief Compliance Officer to ensure that the
commitments made by the contractors are being met. The introduction of the compliance unit to
the project has resulted in significant benefits in safety performance, apprenticeship and training
opportunities. Compliance unit activities are assisting to maximise opportunities for economic and
social benefit and to facilitate the efficient delivery of the Cross River Rail project.

Audit activity undertaken by the Delivery Authority's compliance unit to date indicates that the
head contractors and sub-contractors are meeting their contractual obligations.
For example, the project has achieved over 10 million work hours. The total recordable injury
frequency rate (TRIFR) is 3.3, compared to an industry average TRIFR of 9.3 for the civil
construction sector. The activity of the compliance unit has resulted in an increased focus on
safety by all contractors, supporting a strong safety environment.

Across the project to date, a total of approximately $1.2 billion has been spent on engaging 1500
local contractors and sub-contractors, which equates to approximately 90 per cent of total
contractor spend. The compliance unit has implemented a detailed program of audit and
assurance activities, with all main contractors and a sample of sub-contractors having been
audited. The audit and assurance activities are used to confirm that head contractors are fulfilling
their contractual obligations in relation to best practice principles.

Contractors and sub-contractors are required to provide best practice industrial relations,
ensuring consistency in approach to the management of industrial relations matters in compliance
with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). The compliance unit continues to monitor the performance of
contractors and the implementation of the Industrial Relations Management Plan to confirm
compliance with industrial relations agreements, reviewing industrial relations issues and
ensuring risks are identified, assessed and managed.

The compliance unit assurance activities confirm that additional employment and training
opportunities for Queensland trainees and apprentices have been created, which ultimately
improves the skills base and enhances the future workforce in the building and construction
industry. To date, a total of over 420,000 apprentice/trainee training hours have been completed
for a total of 285 apprentices/trainees employed across contractors and sub-contractors working
on the project.