Cross River Rail Project

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Chocolate Moments owner says he's set to lose business or be forced to relocate

A BRISBANE CBD chocolatier says the Cross River Rail has already devastated his business before construction on the project has even begun.

Paralympian Gerrard Gosens has operated his Albert Street business Chocolate Moments for eight years and said the development could cause him to lose his business and home.

But the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA) said they met with Mr Gosens several times and offered to fund his relocation.

Mr Gossens said businesses across both sides of Albert Street had been acquired as part of CRR planning, and as such his business had suffered from decreased foot traffic.

"I lost two thirds of trade in Easter and I've lost $100,000 over the past year," he said.

"They [CRRDA] have offered to help me find somewhere else, and only in the last 24 hours they've offered to help with removal costs."

"Basically I've been forced out of a place where I've built business over the past eight years, I have a very loyal trade of customers who are regulars in the area and tourists."

The Courier-Mail understands the location of Mr Gosens chocolate shop is not required for building of the project, and therefore would not be legally resumed by the state government.

A Cross River Rail spokesman said the CRRDA had met with Mr Gosens 16 times to discuss how it could assist him and his business.

"And we met with him again on Thursday morning to offer to help assist him relocate his equipment to his second Brisbane CBD shop."

The former young Queenslander of the Year, Gosens says he is forced to move because when works begin foot traffic will drop even further and construction with interfere with his product.

"The dust and micro dust will flow into my store and contaminate my chocolate, that's made and showcased onsite," Mr Gosens said.

But the Courier-Mail understands the CRRDA does not anticipate a reduction in pedestrian traffic.

The stretch of Albert Street between Mary and Charlotte Street will be permanently closed to traffic, except construction vehicles, from midnight on September 29.

The street will remain open to pedestrians throughout construction and once works complete, become a pedestrian plaza.

[Stillwater]

Construction works around a chocolate manufacturing location can be problematic. This guy's business will be affected even if his site is not required for the Albert St station.  Years ago, when a highway bypass was being built at Ballarat, the manufacturers of Mars Bars found that fine dust particles were finding their way into the product. They tasted a bit gritty for a while! Certainly, a lot of watering of site and other dust suppression measures were put into place and I think Mars got some financial compensation.

[AnonymouslyBad]

Was the plan always to pedestrianise that block of Albert St for CRR?

Albert/Charlotte and Albert/Mary were just scrambled last year, and council promoted it as if changing some traffic signals is a major infrastructure project. Scramble crossings are of course how CBD streets should work anyway, but it's not something I see BCC doing if they know it'll be redundant within 12 months.

[James]

Was the plan always to pedestrianise that block of Albert St for CRR?

Albert/Charlotte and Albert/Mary were just scrambled last year, and council promoted it as if changing some traffic signals is a major infrastructure project. Scramble crossings are of course how CBD streets should work anyway, but it's not something I see BCC doing if they know it'll be redundant within 12 months.

The scrambling of those crossings was necessary. When Queens' Wharf started construction at the beginning of 2017, the pedestrian traffic on William St and the southern side of George Street needed to shift somewhere. While the northern side of George St has certainly taken the bulk of the pedestrian traffic, Albert St has taken some too. BCC finally twigged to it and made the change.

I imagine that the pedestrianisation of Albert St was part of the winning CRR tender design - as such BCC may not have envisioned this happening until now, and with so many trucks moving around, scrambling of the crossing may have been even more important.

In the end though - it's a change in signal phasing and the scrubbing out of a few bits of white paint. Barely a line item in the budget.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/9/15/state-government-launches-new-cross-river-rail-coach-terminal

Media Statements

Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Sunday, September 15, 2019

State Government launches new Cross River Rail coach terminal

From this week, long-distance coach services will begin at the newly constructed Brisbane Coach Terminal on the northern side of Roma Street station.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the coach terminal was previously located inside the Brisbane Transit Centre, which is set to be demolished in early 2020 to make way for the new underground Cross River Rail Roma Street station.

"We're getting on with the job of delivering one of the largest infrastructure projects Brisbane has ever seen," she said.

"Today's announcement proves we're making great headway. Locals will see more and more work on Cross River Rail sites over the next month.

"Coach travel is a convenient and popular mode of transport for many interstate tourists.

"We've ensured this coach terminal is built well ahead of demolition so there's a seamless transition for commuters.

"Transferring operators to a new location close by, makes the change to the new Terminal easier for passengers and operators, providing connectivity for coach passengers to long-distance and suburban rail, busway services.

"The new temporary location is expected to be in use for 5-10 years, will also minimise impact to Coach services during the construction of the future Cross River Rail station at Roma Street."

The new Brisbane Coach Terminal includes:

five coach bays on a central platform to accommodate 14.5m length coaches
two minibus bays
an awning roof structure over the terminal
on-platform ticketing kiosk
provision for platform amenities
passenger pick-up and drop-off on Parkland Boulevard
pedestrian crossing to connect to long distance rail services
new wayfinding and signage

Work began on the new temporary Terminal in November last year.

Ms Jones said more than 400 people had worked on the project, including 20 apprentices gaining valuable career experience on the project.

"Now with the temporary Coach Terminal complete and operational, we can take the next step which is to demolish the above-ground buildings before commencing construction of the underground station.

"Cross River Rail's new station will make Roma Street our most connected transport precinct, generating opportunity for development and urban renewal in one of Brisbane's most underutilised inner-city areas."

ENDS

[ozbob]

" ... The new temporary location is expected to be in use for 5-10 years ... "

I reckon it will turn out to be permanent ....

[Stillwater]

10 years is permanent.  Note that the terminal does not include on-platform amenities, but is said to include the "provision for platform amenities".  I love the way the state government makes something out of nothing.  For instance, we have a ceremony to announce the fact that Queensland will sign up to a City Deal.  Another way of putting it (closer to reality) is that there are no on platform amenities.  Where are the toilets?  There's lots of shrubbery about I suppose, with the Roma St Parklands adjacent.

[red dragin]

The long distance railway platform has toilets, and is right next to the bus.

[verbatim9]

The long distance railway platform has toilets, and is right next to the bus.

There are also toilets on the upper boulevard just up the escalators. They also built new amenities and a waiting area where the buses pull in. A couple of unisex toilets. It seems to cater for those in need.

[verbatim9]

A new Brisbane coach terminal opens tomorrow, as demolition of the old Transit Centre draws closer. The Roma Street terminal is temporary, in preparation for Cross River Rail. But the State Government says it could be in service for a decade. @GreenhalghSarah #7NEWS https://t.co/Bh6SHRQcXB


https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1173146214541324288

[verbatim9]

A new Brisbane coach terminal opens tomorrow, as demolition of the old Transit Centre draws closer. The Roma Street terminal is temporary, in preparation for Cross River Rail. But the State Government says it could be in service for a decade. @GreenhalghSarah #7NEWS https://t.co/Bh6SHRQcXB


https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1173146214541324288

So it will be similar to Melbourne's Coach terminal under Marvel Stadium. I didn't realise that but a good idea having the coach terminal under BNE Live. So we are looking at a BNE Live arena being complete between 2025-2029 as per reports. Most likely foundation work will be done during the construction of Cross River Rail.

[verbatim9]

On another topic, I didn't realise that the trains are semi autonomous through the CRR tunnels. The only interaction with the driver is the door initiation process. ------> https://buildingqueensland.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Chapter-5.pdf

[ozbob]

^ ETCS L2 + ATO in the tunnel.  Be interesting to see if they can set it up.   

I hear there are problems with the signalling design already. After the debacle with the Redcliffe line, let's hope they can get it right.

Page 100/101 https://buildingqueensland.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Chapter-5.pdf

[verbatim9]

^ ETCS L2 + ATO in the tunnel.  Be interesting to see if they can set it up.   

I hear there are problems with the signalling design already. After the debacle with the Redcliffe line, let's hope they can get it right.

Page 100/101 https://buildingqueensland.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Chapter-5.pdf

I hope they can achieve ETCS 2 with ATO. Once a successful rollout in the tunnels it will be easier to deploy this tech throughout the network in the future.

[ozbob]

It is not like the Sydney Metro where it is all ATO.  On the Citytrain the complexity is:  conventional signalling > ETCS L2 > ETCS L2 +ATO > ETCS L2 > conventional signalling.  Something doesn't read quite right to me in the document above.  ETCS L2 is planned for Milton through to Northgate, so when the trains exit CRR northside they will be under ETCS L2 until the transition to conventional signalling at Northgate. 

They also state that

" Signalling works will also be required at several locations as enabling works. These include:
 ETCS L2 signalling from Dutton Park to Salisbury
 upgrades to signalling at Mayne Yard. "  Page 101

I think it would be a lot simpler if the entire Citytrain network was set up for ETCS L2 ATP.  The essential problem with Redcliffe was interfacing the signalling on that line with the rest of the network.   The way it is designed as detailed above is very complex I expect.

[SurfRail]

A new Brisbane coach terminal opens tomorrow, as demolition of the old Transit Centre draws closer. The Roma Street terminal is temporary, in preparation for Cross River Rail. But the State Government says it could be in service for a decade. @GreenhalghSarah #7NEWS https://t.co/Bh6SHRQcXB


https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1173146214541324288

So it will be similar to Melbourne's Coach terminal under Marvel Stadium. I didn't realise that but a good idea having the coach terminal under BNE Live. So we are looking at a BNE Live arena being complete between 2025-2029 as per reports. Most likely foundation work will be done during the construction of Cross River Rail.

The coach terminal in Melbourne is at Southern Cross, not under the stadium.

It could be there indefinitely, it's not like there is a massive short-haul coach network to accommodate like down there - really only a few longer distance trips up the coast and out to the west.  The biggest coach market is probably Toowoomba, and the new facility is more than big enough to cater to it.

[SurfRail]

It is not like the Sydney Metro where it is all ATO.  On the Citytrain the complexity is:  conventional signalling > ETCS L2 > ETCS L2 +ATO > ETCS L2 > conventional signalling.  Something doesn't read quite right to me in the document above.  ETCS L2 is planned for Milton through to Northgate, so when the trains exit CRR northside they will be under ETCS L2 until the transition to conventional signalling at Northgate. 

They also state that

" Signalling works will also be required at several locations as enabling works. These include:
 ETCS L2 signalling from Dutton Park to Salisbury
 upgrades to signalling at Mayne Yard. "  Page 101

I think it would be a lot simpler if the entire Citytrain network was set up for ETCS L2 ATP.  The essential problem with Redcliffe was interfacing the signalling on that line with the rest of the network.   The way it is designed as detailed above is very complex I expect.

They'll definitely need GoA2 at minimum from Northgate inbound seeing they intend running 28tph on a single track (which I think is bollocks incidentally, there's no way Kippa-Ring will justify 16 trains in the peak and multiple stopping patterns).

[verbatim9]

A new Brisbane coach terminal opens tomorrow, as demolition of the old Transit Centre draws closer. The Roma Street terminal is temporary, in preparation for Cross River Rail. But the State Government says it could be in service for a decade. @GreenhalghSarah #7NEWS https://t.co/Bh6SHRQcXB


https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1173146214541324288

So it will be similar to Melbourne's Coach terminal under Marvel Stadium. I didn't realise that but a good idea having the coach terminal under BNE Live. So we are looking at a BNE Live arena being complete between 2025-2029 as per reports. Most likely foundation work will be done during the construction of Cross River Rail.

The coach terminal in Melbourne is at Southern Cross, not under the stadium.

It could be there indefinitely, it's not like there is a massive short-haul coach network to accommodate like down there - really only a few longer distance trips up the coast and out to the west.  The biggest coach market is probably Toowoomba, and the new facility is more than big enough to cater to it.

Same thing and concept. I should of said underground or under the current structure  adjacent to Marvel Stadium. Anyway very similar set up having it all in one. Hopefully the platform boarding  areas will be screened,  to insulate waiting passengers from the elements. (Noise, air and weather conditions).
Also having it under Bne Live it can act as a multi purpose facility for coach and mini bus drop offs and pick ups for events , as well as inter regional and.interstate coach services.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/CrossRiverRail/status/1174208999643865096

[ozbob]

Hansard will be available after 2pm ..

https://twitter.com/SteveMinnikinMP/status/1174508580025724929

[Gazza]

https://twitter.com/GSeipelt/status/1174513421254922240

Does anyone else on twitter want to jump in on this one?

It seems the opposition is pushing the other station next to PAH so they can pin something on Jackie Trad, rather than a solution that works as an efficient interchange.

This narrative is pollyticking at its worst and should be nipped in the bud.

[ozbob]

This came about because a tenderer put in their bid for the alternative station location.  It is known there are some issues with building next to the science precinct at Dutton Park.  Apparently CRR DA also thought the alternative location was worth considering.  The cabinet review committee rejected the alternative site and stuck with the one next to the science precinct.   It was nothing really to do with Trad's house but optimising interchanges.  You have done a good job on Twitter.  I surprised this even surfaced again as it was done and dusted weeks ago.

[Gazza]

Apparently CRR DA also thought the alternative location was worth considering

TMR engineers with no rail experience (or regard for the passengers experience) only looking at what is easy/cheap to build?

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2019/2019_09_19_DAILY.PDF

Questions without notice

Cross River Rail

Mr MINNIKIN: My question is to the Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development.
Will the new minister for Cross River Rail tell the House whether the government will reconsider the
innovative proposal to shift the Cross River Rail station at Boggo Road to the Princess Alexandra
Hospital, as proposed by both shortlisted bidders and supported by the technical advisers, although it
would move the station further away from the Deputy Premier's investment property?

Ms JONES: I have already been asked the question. I believe it was reported on the news on
Sunday, but I answered publicly on Sunday that the government will stand by its decision in regard to
the Cross River Rail stations. Those were collective decisions of the cabinet and the CBRC, and we
stand by those decisions.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Cross River Rail Experience: New exhibit takes visitors on a 3D virtual tour

COMMUTERS will be given a virtual reality tour of the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail's tunnels and stations.

The CRR Experience Centre was launched in Albert St in the CBD today, giving commuters a behind the scenes look of the project as initial works kick off at a number of new stations.

It comes after a key contractor working on the multibillion-dollar Cross River Rail project was issued with a show cause notice by the state's construction watchdog.

CPB Contractors was issued with a show cause notice by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission on Monday over an alleged breach of the Palaszczuk Government's new minimum financial requirement rules.

Although, it is understood the breach is related to the Logan Motorway enhancement project and not Cross River Rail.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones, who is now responsible for the project, said she was confident that the matter would not impact on the delivery of Cross River Rail.

She instead today touted the new experience centre as a "game changer" for the design of major infrastructure projects in Queensland – pointing out that it gave experts, but also people with disabilities, the chance to look at the design of various sites ahead of construction.

"One experience even transports you back in time to see station locations as they were in 1819," she said.

"We've worked with Queensland Museum to ensure that visitors can understand the history of this region as well.

"Elsewhere in the Centre you can take a driver's eye trip through Cross River Rail's twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and use touch-screens to learn why Cross River Rail is being built."

Ms Jones would not reveal the cost of the centre, which she said was embedded within the cost of the $5.4 billion project.

It will be officially opened to the public next week and will run until construction finishes in 2024.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1174596883278286848

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/9/20/kate-jones-appointed-minister-for-cross-river-rail

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Friday, September 20, 2019

Kate Jones appointed 'Minister for Cross River Rail'

Kate Jones has been appointed Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for Cross River Rail.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Cross River Rail was Queensland's biggest infrastructure project.

"We're investing $5.4 billion in the Cross River Rail project," the Premier said.

"It's a massive project that will create thousands of jobs, result in more train services and less congestion.

"It will mean 24 trains running in both directions each hour when it's complete and take up to 18,500 car trips off south-east Queensland roads each day.

"Kate Jones helped oversee the delivery of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games which were labelled the best-ever.

"Like the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games delivered benefits that will last for decades, Cross River Rail will deliver benefits well into the future."

Minister Jones said the project would transform the entire south-east Queensland rail network.

"I'm pleased to be taking Cross River Rail on as an area of responsibility," the Minister said.

"It will mean more trains and more train stations for south-east Queensland.

"Queensland is a growing state and we need to ensure we plan and prepare for the future.

"Part of that is building the public transport we need.

"That's why we're investing $5.4 billion to deliver Cross River Rail."

The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games have been delivered and have been removed from the Minister's title.

The 2019–20 Budget includes a $12.941 billion capital works program which will directly support 40,500 jobs across Queensland, with 25,500 of these jobs in regions outside Greater Brisbane.

[#Metro]

What about Mark Bailey's title? Minister for Transport & Instagram perhaps?

[verbatim9]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/9/20/kate-jones-appointed-minister-for-cross-river-rail

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Friday, September 20, 2019

Kate Jones appointed 'Minister for Cross River Rail'

Kate Jones has been appointed Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for Cross River Rail.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Cross River Rail was Queensland's biggest infrastructure project.

"We're investing $5.4 billion in the Cross River Rail project," the Premier said.

"It's a massive project that will create thousands of jobs, result in more train services and less congestion.

"It will mean 24 trains running in both directions each hour when it's complete and take up to 18,500 car trips off south-east Queensland roads each day.

"Kate Jones helped oversee the delivery of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games which were labelled the best-ever.

"Like the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games delivered benefits that will last for decades, Cross River Rail will deliver benefits well into the future."

Minister Jones said the project would transform the entire south-east Queensland rail network.

"I'm pleased to be taking Cross River Rail on as an area of responsibility," the Minister said.

"It will mean more trains and more train stations for south-east Queensland.

"Queensland is a growing state and we need to ensure we plan and prepare for the future.

"Part of that is building the public transport we need.

"That's why we're investing $5.4 billion to deliver Cross River Rail."

The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games have been delivered and have been removed from the Minister's title.

The 2019–20 Budget includes a $12.941 billion capital works program which will directly support 40,500 jobs across Queensland, with 25,500 of these jobs in regions outside Greater Brisbane.

What about Mark Bailey's title? Minister for Transport & Instagram perhaps?

I wouldn't call the Commonwealth Games the most successful  ever. Businesses had to close and  the closing ceremony was a shocker. Even Beattie apologised for the debacle. Kate Jones and Qld Labor are in La La Land.

[Stillwater]

The virtual reality you have when you don't have an actual project.

[#Metro]

Let's call for a virtual reality for sunshine coast line

[HappyTrainGuy]

The stowed trains on the Normanby section have been removed and dewiring commenced on Saturday morning. Track removal should be soon in prep for crr works.

[Stillwater]

Now that is a real commencement of a project. 

[verbatim9]

Brisbane's CBD is on the cusp of once in a generation transformation. Construction for Cross River Rail is about to take off, impacting motorists. Traffic will be diverted to make way for the Albert Street precinct, the first new CBD station in 120 years. @MarlinaWhop #7NEWS https://t.co/3PTfwF3LMo

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1175681985198452737

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1175798258733469696

[SABB]

RE: Albert Street Station
Something for the tech experts to answer
If you look at the BCC flood maps for the CBD, you will notice that the flood zone for Albert Street appears to cover the location for the CRR station.
What happens when a 1974 flood occurs (or 1890 1893) ?  Is the station entrance on the first floor ?

[ozbob]

RE: Albert Street Station
Something for the tech experts to answer
If you look at the BCC flood maps for the CBD, you will notice that the flood zone for Albert Street appears to cover the location for the CRR station.
What happens when a 1974 flood occurs (or 1890 1893) ?  Is the station entrance on the first floor ?

It is a good point.  I was in Brisbane for the '74 floods.   It has been considered in design and Albert St station will be flood proof.

From https://buildingqueensland.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Chapter-10.pdf page 190

" inclusion of dedicated flood protection measures at Albert Street station to protect against extreme river flood events "

[Golliwog]

Apparently CRR DA also thought the alternative location was worth considering

TMR engineers with no rail experience (or regard for the passengers experience) only looking at what is easy/cheap to build?

What wrong with considering a change? If they had been able to outline an easier and more construct-able design that still delivered the connectivity required then why not at least consider it? All comes down to Cost vs Benefit. The suggested change lowered the cost but also lowered the benefit for transfers.

At the end of the day, I'd presume it was the call of the politicians and committee as to which way it went, so the team is to provide advice on the outcome of each option. Do you know exactly what their advice was? It had "support" which may be as little as say "yeah, you could do that" but also "here are all the outcomes of that...." 

[#Metro]

At the end of the day, I'd presume it was the call of the politicians and committee as to which way it went, so the team is to provide advice on the outcome of each option. Do you know exactly what their advice was? It had "support" which may be as little as say "yeah, you could do that" but also "here are all the outcomes of that...."

Rational planning? That died ages ago...

[Gazza]

Apparently CRR DA also thought the alternative location was worth considering

TMR engineers with no rail experience (or regard for the passengers experience) only looking at what is easy/cheap to build?

What wrong with considering a change? If they had been able to outline an easier and more construct-able design that still delivered the connectivity required then why not at least consider it? All comes down to Cost vs Benefit. The suggested change lowered the cost but also lowered the benefit for transfers.

At the end of the day, I'd presume it was the call of the politicians and committee as to which way it went, so the team is to provide advice on the outcome of each option. Do you know exactly what their advice was? It had "support" which may be as little as say "yeah, you could do that" but also "here are all the outcomes of that...."

I think changes are permissible, within reason. Moving a transfer station hundreds of meters away is not reasonable. Nobody would accept the same if you moved Roma St away from Roma St for example.

But if they wanted to move the station box to other bits of land around the station, or proposed just a full on rebuild and building the new platforms under the existing park rd ones, that would be ok.

Speaking of Boggo Rd, looking at the latest animations, is it now an out of system transfer?

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

i was expecting extra stairs up to each platform from the underground platforms underneath, or at least a new overbridge at the SE end of the above ground platforms.