Corinda to Darra - was triplication (NOW QUADRUPLICATION)

[Derwan]

To me, having staged expansions and additions is fine as long as the earlier stages allow for it.  For example, where triplication is happening, structures for overhead powerlines should be built with the 4th track in mind - so they just have to add the additional mountings and cable.  Bridgework should allow for the 4th line.  Stations should have the 4th platform built as part of the 3rd track upgrades.

It would be extremely dumb to do a lot of infrastructure work now - only to have to make substantial changes in a few years time.

[mufreight]

conveniently overlooked by most is that unlike FG, and the Gold Coast line both the Ipswich line and the North Coast line not only carry passangers for local commuter services but quite significant amounts of freight.
While more trains are definately needed they in turn need nore tracks as has been admited with the current track amplification projects but doing it on the cheap such as only three tracks between Corinda and Darra yet estimates of regional growth by Queensland Transport and published as part of the base case for 2026 is for a 130% increase in trip demand between Ipswich and the Brisbane CBD, yet in the same information seeking handout the claim is made that public transport patronage is assumed to grow at 2.7 % compounded per annum.
That in itself falls far short of their own predicted 130% increase over the next 18 years becomes a poor joke when one considers that over the 2006/2007 there was an increase of 10.9% of passangers on the Ipswich line alone.
More tracks as well as more trains are needed and needed now not in 18 years time.
A discussion that you can have with your local political representative next time you discuss their retirement plan.
Cheers

[ozbob]

Retaining wall up side of Cardiff Road bridge.
Walls finished now. 



Photograph R Dow 5 May 2008

[ozbob]

Major Track Work from Corinda to Ipswich: Friday 23 May - Sunday 25 May

From 8.00pm Friday 23 May to last train Sunday 25 May 2008, all Brisbane?s suburban network inbound and outbound services between Corinda and Ipswich will be replaced by bus services.

Buses will stop at all stations from Corinda to Ipswich with a connecting train to Brisbane City.

This trackwork is part of the Corinda to Darra project. This project will improve public transport for existing and future residents in Brisbane?s western suburbs.

Delays of up to 30 minutes may be experienced.
Guardian Train services may be affected during this track closure.

For further information call TransLink on 13 12 30 or visit www.translink.com.au

[ozbob]

Some information on this project will be distributed to local residents late next week.

It is confirmed that it is a partial quadruplication.  It will be quad down from Darra to a point between the Cardiff Road and 17 Miles Rocks road bridge, then triple through Oxley and to Corinda.  Although there is a possible quad extension in the future.

Additional platform at Oxley.  New platform at Darra.  The present loop at platform 1 is to go.

[Derwan]

The present loop at platform 1 is to go.

Why remove the loop?  Is it electrified?  Do they currently use it (e.g. for terminating trains)?  I realise they'll have 4 tracks but it still might come in handy at some stage in the future.

[ozbob]

Yes, I agree.  Not sure why that is going at all.  It is in regular use now for suburban services.  The only reason I can think of is that with the new alignment for the main line up from Darra it might present a minor issue.

[ozbob]

Up from Cardiff Road Bridge
Note concrete sleeper stacks



Photograph R Dow 11 May 2008


Down from Cardiff Road Bridge



Photograph R Dow 11 May 2008

[ozbob]

Corinda to Darra rail upgrade Project display 7 - 9am and 4 - 6pm

Oxley Station Tuesday 27 May and Wednesday 28 May 2008

Corinda station Thursday 29 May and Friday 30 May 2008

[ozbob]

An information leaflet (Newsletter Corinda to Darra Upgrade)  was in my mail box when I got home tonight.

This is the layout of the works between Corinda and Darra.
From the Newsletter No 1 May 2008

[ozbob]

Documents for the project are available here --> http://www.qr.com.au/SEQIP/projects/Corinda/documents.asp

Fact Sheet May 08 PDF 191 KB

[david]

From the artist's impressions and concept plans, it seems that they are going ahead with full quadruplication from Corinda to Darra. The fourth track can clearly be seen in the concept plan for Oxley Station. They are simply not building a platform to service the fourth track at Oxley. Can anyone confirm this?

I must say, I am very impressed with the project design, especially the future planning incorporated into the project. I must admit that it is disappointing to see the track on Platform 4 at Darra go, but i think this is happening due to the future extension of all services terminating and beginning at Darra to Springfield and Redbank in the future. Also, it would be interesting to see the track alignment closer to Corinda, as i am interested as to whether the freight passing loop will connect with Platform 1 at Corinda.

[ozbob]

The 4th line from Corinda to a point between the 17 Mile Rocks Road Bridge and Cardiff road bridge is only proposed at this time.  We would all very much like to see that built from the outset, but appears not unfortunately.

Cheers
Ozbob

[david]

Saw some new track being laid down just past the Cardiff Road bridge today. Looks like work is progressing...

[ozbob]

New line!   

Down EMU passing new track up side Cardiff Road bridge



Photograph R Dow 18 May 2008



View of new track down side of Cardiff Road bridge



Photograph R Dow 18 May 2008

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

The former up main is now not connected. Former down main is now the up main.

The new line is now the down main.

This is from about 400 metres up Cardiff road bridge to about 500 metres down from the bridge.

Photographs showing the new track now connected in down from road bridge







Photographs R Dow 24 May 2008



Looking in an up direction from Cardiff Road bridge



Photographs R Dow 24 May 2008




Photographs R Dow 24 May 2008



New Down Main, New Up Main (Former down main), next to bridge (up)



Photographs R Dow 24 May 2008



Ballast train - locos 2484H/2479D



Photographs R Dow 24 May 2008

[ozbob]

Work continuing at Darra and at various locations to Corinda.

The new down main and up main seem to be properly aligned.  Overhead wiring in place and final touches being done.

View from Cardiff Road bridge in up direction



Photograph R Dow 25 May 2008



View from Cardiff Road bridge in a down direction



Photograph R Dow 25 May 2008



Track machines and support vehicles just down from Darra



Photograph R Dow 25 May 2008





Photograph R Dow 25 May 2008





Photograph R Dow 25 May 2008




Photograph R Dow 25 May 2008

[ozbob]

I have just been to the display at Oxley railway station this morning (28 May 2008) for the Corinda to Darra upgrades.

It is OFFICIAL the 4th line is going to be built!! YAY!!!!   

BUT it would appear that immediate electrification of the 4th line is not yet guaranteed. There will be no additional platform at Oxley for
the 4th line.

I know that many are endeavouring to see if the funds can be found to electrify the 4th line from the outset. It would make a lot more sense and be much more cost effective whilst everything else is being done!

[haakon]

Well if nothing else they can stick the frieght on the 4th to free up capacity on the other three....

[ozbob]

Looking in a down direction from the Cardiff Road bridge.
The preliminary works for the 4th line can be seen to the right of the photograph.

The former main up line is presently not in use (spare rails in the centre of the track).



Photograph R Dow 1 June 2008

[ozbob]

Extract of Darra Station from concept plan  Darra Station (Concept Plan)

[ozbob]

Couple of update photographs from Cardiff Road bridge

Looking east (down)




Looking west (up)



Photographs R Dow 6 July 2008

[ozbob]

Some photographs of the quad masts looking in a down direction back towards the Cardiff Road bridge.

The new quad track will take some of the existing nature strip/road shoulder.
Note decommissioned bus stop.









Photographs R Dow 13 July 2008

[ozbob]

Corinda to Darra Rail Upgrade

Sherwood station to Centenary Highway, Darra

Night and weekend works

From 8pm Friday 18 to 4am Monday 21 July 2008

QR wishes to advise construction, including night works will be undertaken in the rail corridor from Sherwood station to the Centenary Highway at Darra, from 8pm on Friday 18 until 4am on Monday 21 July 2008 (weather permitting).

Construction works will include: Building retaining walls Work on the overhead electrical wires Signal upgrading signalling equipment Rail delivery at Oxley and Darra Track work including resurfacing.

Some of these works can only be undertaken safely when the electric trains are not operating.

Please be advised the Ipswich rail line will be closed between Sherwood and Ipswich from the last train service (2am) on Friday 18 July until the first train service (4.20am) on Monday 21 July 2008.

Buses will replace trains from the first service on Saturday until the last service on Sunday. There will be pick and drop off points for passengers on both sides of Sherwood station. Passengers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

The Sherwood level crossing will remain open during this work.

QR apologises for any inconvenience and thanks you for your patience while we build a better rail network.

This work is part of the Government?s Corinda to Darra Rail Upgrade project, which will improve public transport for residents in Brisbane?s western suburbs.

If you have any questions, please contact Community Liaison Coordinator, Jodie Lamb on 1800 680 385 (freecall). For general project information, please visit www.qr.com.au/seqip.

[ozbob]

A new addition to this bridge just at the eastern approach to Darra will give a quad track capacity.
Manburgh Terrace Bridge is presently two track.







Photographs R Dow 26 July 2008

[ozbob]

Some updates from the Cardiff road bridge looking in a down direction (towards Oxley).

There is a concrete road northern side of the line now in place, note the safety rail.







Photographs R Dow 21 September 2008

[ozbob]

Same view as above, 5 months or so later ..





Photographs R Dow 28th March 2009

[ozbob]

Some updates from the Cardiff Road bridge

Down, towards Oxley








Up, towards Darra



Photographs R Dow 7th November 2009

[ozbob]

The quad has passed under Cardiff Road bridge, not far to Darra now ..

Down from bridge







Up from bridge











Photographs R Dow 7th March 2010

[ozbob]

Track closure, main UP lifted and being relaid



















Down from Cardiff Road bridge



Photographs R Dow 10th July 2010

[ozbob]

Main UP back in.  Points gone.  Ballasting proceeding today.  










Track tamper vehicle on the sub down west of Darra



Photographs R Dow 11th July 2010

[mufreight]

It is unfortunate that as this track amplification project nears completion that the fourth track has not been wired for the section between Corinda and Suzannah Street, that there is no connection between the up suburban and the fourth track at Corinda and that no platform  has been provided for the fourth track at Oxley, all works that will based upon the predictions of passenger demand made the Transport Department Regional planners will be required by 2016 at considerably greater cost for the works that will be required than if they were to be constructed now.
Other obvious failings have been the failure to construct the new platforms to carriage floor height for ease of access and exit to trains not only to comply with the now Commonwealth Disability access requirements but also for the the increasing numbers of the elderly and the infirm as well as the operational advantages of shorter station dwell times. Similarly there is no credible reason why the refurbished platforms could not also have been raised when they were closed for refurbishment.
The work that has been done on these stations has resulted in modern attractive stations but unfortunately less than user friendly due to a somewhat short sighted approach by Government.
To connect the up suburban from platform 2 to the fourth track at Corinda would have required only two sets of points and one crossing one additional signal and the provision of a further turnout aspect on one existing signal, all relatively simple works if incorporated in the present construction program the costs of which would be more than justified by the operational flexibility that would have thus been provided and the redundancy that would have thus been provided and the future savings on constructing these connections later.
We can but hope that lessons will be learnt and there will be better outcomes in the future now that QR Passenger has been given more control of its own destiny.

[ozbob]

Track vehicles immediately down from Darra





Photographs R Dow 12th August 2010

[ozbob]

The old disused points are being removed from the main DOWN this weekend (track closure weekend), down from Darra.







Photographs R Dow 11th September 2010

[ozbob]

Points now removed, final track conditioning underway.









Photographs R Dow 12th September 2010

[ozbob]

Between Oxley Darra from my back porch. Work on the OHT, and work on the high voltage power lines that run through a corridor a hundred metres or so from the rail line.









Photographs R Dow 19th October 2010

[ozbob]

Locomotives doing signal testing as part of the commissioning 24th October 2010

Darra, locomotives are on the sub down heading towards Darra.  Signals lite.





Photographs R Dow 24th October 2010

[johnnigh]

Freights now running on the new line. At last, no more crashing through three or more sets of points between Corinda station and my place at 2am etc!

[ozbob]