Level crossings and Grade separation - level crossing removal

[tazzer9]

That 110 figure does include everything that is technically considered the metropolitan area.  (everything bounded by varsity lakes - nambour - rosewood-acacia ridge).  That 110 number includes any public crossing even to branches that still occasionally see a train.  Within the area where electric suburban services operate it would be around 60.

[SurfRail]

I'd pretty much forget about anything west of Ipswich - no cost-benefit and traffic volumes too low to be concerned about. 

I would include between Caboolture and Nambour because the focus should be on getting 160kph enabled lines running, which will need the (reasonably small) number of crossings removed.  Some are only really for private properties anyway and so there would be some way to provide alternative access once the lines are realigned. 

There are also a few which you would expect probably need to be grouped as single projects - for instance if anything is ever done about Ferny Grove (Samford Rd / Arbor St), Mitchelton (Prospect Rd / Osborne Rd / Blackwood St / Glenholm St) or Coorparoo (Cavendish Rd / Stanley St).

Then there are the crossings which could and should be closed today - Beaudesert Rd Salisbury, Todds Road Lawnton, McKean St Caboolture etc - due to the fit-for-purpose overpasses built nearby as alternative routes.

The Caboolture Bypass / Pumicestone Rd irks me because that could have been done in a way which eliminated the LX.

[ozbob]

Current priorities for grade separation:

Boundary Road, Coopers Plains
Cavendish Road, Coorparoo
Beams Road, Carseldine
South Pine Road, Alderley   
Wacol Station Road, Wacol
Warrigal Road, Fruitgrove

[SurfRail]

The State's priorities or ours? 

Those are all good, except Stanley St and Cavendish Road should be done in one go.  (Given the limited alternatives for access I would be doing one right after the other unless they can make a crash Melbourne style program work, which I doubt.)

[Gazza]

Curious about the Wacol one? Wouldn't you do busier crosings and ones used by BUZ routes first?

[SurfRail]

Also like to see Sherwood go - just so every at-grade crossing between the CBD and both Springfield and Ipswich will be gone, although I would want to combine that with a few more bridge beams on the inner stretch inbound of Darra.

[ozbob]

Bit of both. The penny is starting to drop that grade separation is another thing that is pretty much 'frozen'. Watch this space!

Re Melbourne grade separations - Looking forward to checking out real progress!

[ozbob]

How many grade separations (LX removal) happening in the big V?
Around 50 to be done.
In banana-land? Zero ..
You got it!#qldpol #springst

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 26, 2017

[ozbob]

Curious about the Wacol one? Wouldn't you do busier crosings and ones used by BUZ routes first?

Wacol (Wacol Station Road LX) is getting really quite a problem these days.  Kilometres of traffic at a standstill at various times of the day.
Something needs to be done sooner than later.

Generally we need to state agitating  for some grade separations as we come into the #qldvotes space. 
They are frozen at the wheel.

[Gazza]

Had no idea!
Grab some piccies one day if you can.

[ozbob]

The Missus sometimes has to use the horseless carriage to pick up the grandgirl at school.  She doesn't like the ' Ippy car park ' too many speeding trucks etc. so she goes via Gailes, to Wacol.  Then across the LX to Darra via the back way.  The problem is so bad she cannot turn right into Wacol Station Road because of the traffic so she turns left and goes to the RSPCA and then turn around and come back down Wacol Station Road.  Crazy ..

The other important point about Wacol LX is frankly it is very dangerous because of the way it is laid out with roads, traffic lights and two double tracks.  Has been fatalities there in the past basically because car drivers became confused.

[ozbob]

    Boundary Road, Coopers Plains ($220 Million)
    Cavendish Road, Coorparoo ($320 Million)
    Beams Road, Carseldine ($140 Million)
    South Pine Road, Alderley ($250 Million)
    Wacol Station Road, Wacol ($200 Million)

^ these are still the SEQ Council of Mayor LX elimination five top on their list.
[ http://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/priority/open-level-crossing-elimination-program/ ]

+ Warrigal Road, Fruitgrove

Everyone happy with these?

[#Metro]

Seems really expensive. What is the average LX removal cost in Victoria?

Was under the impression that it was $50-100 million max.

[SurfRail]

That's a good list as far as I'm concerned, except Cavendish Rd and Stanley St should both be one project.  That may be intended based on that costing, but Coorparoo station would also need a complete Melbourne-style rebuild as part and parcel so that may alone be the reason for that estimate.

The stations nearest the other crossings don't need anything done that would need to be integrated with an LX removal in the same manner as Coorparoo, although Wacol in particular would benefit from some DDA and car parking upgrades.  Maybe a quid pro quo for closing Gailes.  (Full platform raising should be mandatory at all stations with anything other than significant curvature, and in those cases full rebuilding on a better alignment needs to be considered.  Wacol shouldn't be a problem at all.)

[ozbob]

Seems really expensive. What is the average LX removal cost in Victoria?

Was under the impression that it was $50-100 million max.

Their costings.   We need to start pushing this.  Crikey, the joint (brisBANE) is moribund !

[ozbob]

That's a good list as far as I'm concerned, except Cavendish Rd and Stanley St should both be one project.  That may be intended based on that costing, but Coorparoo station would also need a complete Melbourne-style rebuild as part and parcel so that may alone be the reason for that estimate.

The stations nearest the other crossings don't need anything done that would need to be integrated with an LX removal in the same manner as Coorparoo, although Wacol in particular would benefit from some DDA and car parking upgrades.  Maybe a quid pro quo for closing Gailes.  (Full platform raising should be mandatory at all stations with anything other than significant curvature, and in those cases full rebuilding on a better alignment needs to be considered.  Wacol shouldn't be a problem at all.)

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th April 2017

Level Crossings - frozen at the wheel

Good Morning,

It does seem that any moves to remove level crossings around the SEQ rail network have stalemated. No real surprise as most things in the public transport space have stalemated of late. 

Nonetheless, it is worthwhile pointing out that there are considerable benefits in removing level crossings as was done for Geebung - Robinson Road (completed March 2014) and Telegraph Road Bracken Ridge (completed late 2014) open level crossings (1, 2), the last ones done in SEQ. Both these grade separation projects were the results of successful cooperation between the BCC and the then Newman State Government and putting the community first.

The SEQ Council of Mayors has these open level crossings as their top 5 priorities since 2015:

Boundary Road, Coopers Plains
Cavendish Road, Coorparoo
Beams Road, Carseldine
South Pine Road, Alderley
Wacol Station Road, Wacol

[ http://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/priority/open-level-crossing-elimination-program/ ]

To which we would like to add Warrigal Road, Fruitgrove.

Consideration should also be given to combining Cavendish Road, Coorparoo with Stanley Street East open level crossing replacement as a single project with an upgrade of Coorparoo railway station to include full height platforms.  As part of open level crossing elimination projects it is also logical where appropriate to improve railway stations for fully compliant station access under DDA.
[ Station access guide > http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/forcustomers/access/station-access-guide ]

As traffic and train congestion builds the replacement of level crossings becomes very important to maintain better and safer traffic flows (vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian) and more frequent safer rail services. There are around 50 level crossings on the suburban rail network in SEQ ( Level crossing list > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6859.msg71068#msg71068 ).

Victoria is presently removing 50 dangerous and congested level crossings ( see http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ ).

In Queensland we are ' frozen at the wheel '.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

References:

1. Geebung rail overpass almost ready for traffic
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/geebung-rail-overpass-almost-ready-for-traffic-20140312-34mwy.html

2. New road overpass to open at Bracken Ridge
http://www.grahamquirk.com.au/new-road-overpass-to-open-at-bracken-ridge/

[ozbob]

Latest media: ' Level Crossings - frozen at the wheel '
> https://t.co/g8LfALx8eP#qldpol@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP @QLDLabor @LNPQLD pic.twitter.com/f9jxqwF4GI

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 26, 2017

^

.@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP @QLDLabor @LNPQLD @Schrinner @Team_Quirk @brisbanecityqld @brisbanetimes @QuestNewspapers @QueenslandRail @TMRQld @AnnastaciaMP @JoAnnMillerMP #qldpol pic.twitter.com/zZGpVb7nnY

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 26, 2017

[achiruel]

I know it's only top 5, but I'm a bit surprised to not see Warrigal Rd, Runcorn (near Fruitgrove station) in that list.

After they're all done, I'd next have Beenleigh Rd, Kuraby; Todds Rd, Lawnton; Queensport Rd, Murrarie; and Barrack Rd, Cannon Hill.

[wbj]

I know it's only top 5, but I'm a bit surprised to not see Warrigal Rd, Runcorn (near Fruitgrove station) in that list.

After they're all done, I'd next have Beenleigh Rd, Kuraby; Todds Rd, Lawnton; Queensport Rd, Murrarie; and Barrack Rd, Cannon Hill.

Todds Road Lawnton would be a low priority as there is a new grade separated crossing only a couple of undred metres south of it.

[ozbob]

Media:
Level Crossings - frozen at the wheel
> https://t.co/g8LfALx8eP#qldpol@QLDLabor @LNPQLD @RACQOfficial pic.twitter.com/FLXsGmkPvh

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 30, 2017

[verbatim9]

Apparently there were plans at Banyo station for an overpass and the removal of the level crossing but the local community were against it opting for a the level crossing to be retained for village character reasons. A new pedestrian overpass will be built for the northern end of the station.

[dancingmongoose]

Came across this today https://www.change.org/p/graham-quirk-safer-banyo-rail-crossing-and-better-flowing-roads

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th April 2017 resent 5th May 2017

Level Crossings - frozen at the wheel

Good Morning,

It does seem that any moves to remove level crossings around the SEQ rail network have stalemated. No real surprise as most things in the public transport space have stalemated of late. 

Nonetheless, it is worthwhile pointing out that there are considerable benefits in removing level crossings as was done for Geebung - Robinson Road (completed March 2014) and Telegraph Road Bracken Ridge (completed late 2014) open level crossings (1, 2), the last ones done in SEQ. Both these grade separation projects were the results of successful cooperation between the BCC and the then Newman State Government and putting the community first.

The SEQ Council of Mayors has these open level crossings as their top 5 priorities since 2015:

Boundary Road, Coopers Plains
Cavendish Road, Coorparoo
Beams Road, Carseldine
South Pine Road, Alderley
Wacol Station Road, Wacol

[ http://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/priority/open-level-crossing-elimination-program/ ]

To which we would like to add Warrigal Road, Fruitgrove.

Consideration should also be given to combining Cavendish Road, Coorparoo with Stanley Street East open level crossing replacement as a single project with an upgrade of Coorparoo railway station to include full height platforms.  As part of open level crossing elimination projects it is also logical where appropriate to improve railway stations for fully compliant station access under DDA.
[ Station access guide > http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/forcustomers/access/station-access-guide ]

As traffic and train congestion builds the replacement of level crossings becomes very important to maintain better and safer traffic flows (vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian) and more frequent safer rail services. There are around 50 level crossings on the suburban rail network in SEQ ( Level crossing list > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6859.msg71068#msg71068 ).

Victoria is presently removing 50 dangerous and congested level crossings ( see http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ ).

In Queensland we are ' frozen at the wheel '.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

References:

1. Geebung rail overpass almost ready for traffic
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/geebung-rail-overpass-almost-ready-for-traffic-20140312-34mwy.html

2. New road overpass to open at Bracken Ridge
http://www.grahamquirk.com.au/new-road-overpass-to-open-at-bracken-ridge/

[ozbob]

Level crossing removal priorities for Brisbane
> https://t.co/JWP5AY3lqK#qldpol@QLDLabor @LNPQLD @brisbanecityqld @TMRQld @SEQMayors pic.twitter.com/Rmw8xgBVmY

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 4, 2017

[ozbob]

How many level crossings are being removed around Brisbane?
Yep ... zero ! #donothingmobs
> https://t.co/JWP5AY3lqK#qldpol pic.twitter.com/I9DodILfQQ

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 16, 2017

[ozbob]

Any level crossing removal $$ in #qldpol #budget2017 ?
> https://t.co/JWP5AY3lqK#qldpol@QLDLabor @LNPQLD @Curtis_Pitt_MP @scottemerson pic.twitter.com/JEvt7t7d17

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 4, 2017

[ozbob]

OMG  Out foxed by Adelaide!    

https://twitter.com/PaulFletcherMP/status/872298877084463104

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/874673563915100160

[mufreight]

Wacol Station Road at Wacol should be close to the top of the list, about 4 or 5 years ago they had a group from TMR and Queensland Rail at Wacol Station with plans for an overpass telling all that the works would start later that year but as we can all see typically with anything that has TMR involvement don't hold your breath, the excuse for the delay a couple of years later was that they had to redesign the connection with the Progress Road connection across the Ipswich Motorway.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Rail overpass war of words between incumbent ALP state member Peter Russo and LNP candidate Anthony Shorten

A RAIL overpass at Coopers Plains and restrictions on trucks not delivering locally would be two of Anthony Shorten's priorities if he was elected.

Mr Shorten – who held the seat of Algester from 2012 to 2015 – will stand for the LNP in the Toohey electorate at the next state election.

He said he was "very interested" to read the comments of Brisbane City councillor Steve Griffiths, who this month said the lack of an overpass for vehicles at Boundary Rd was a failure on behalf of various Brisbane City councils and state governments.

Those comments came as the Australian Rail Track Corporation announced its intention to ramp up its plans for the project and have Inland Rail up and running by 2024.

"It has to be fixed," Mr Shorten said. "I grew up in Coopers Plains, so I know that crossing very well.

"I will fight to have it fixed if I am elected.

"I also want to put in a traffic management plan that would ban trucks from certain roads unless they were delivering locally.

"Trucks not delivering locally should only be using Beaudesert Rd and Granard and Kessels Rd, or Beaudesert Rd and the Gateway Motorway."

However, Toohey state Labor MP Peter Russo has fired back at Mr Shorten over the proposed Boundary Rd overpass at Coopers Plains.

Mr Shorten, who plans to contest the seat of Toohey against Mr Russo at the next state election, said getting an overpass built over the rail line and putting a traffic management plan in place for trucks would be two of his priorities if re-elected.

Mr Russo said Mr Shorten was "grandstanding" and he had been working to provide "a solution".

"Anthony Shorten's grandstanding is outrageous," Mr Russo, pictured above, said.

"He was Campbell Newman's LNP MP for three years and did nothing about Coopers Plains level crossing.

"Locals have made it clear – they don't need another traffic study like the one proposed by Anthony Shorten, they want real action.

"I've been working with the Deputy Premier (Jackie Trad) to get the first steps to a solution, not Mr Shorten's proposed survey of traffic."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/900186731047075840

[James]

If I recall correctly, one of the ALP candidates in the area (I assume Peter Russo) promised to grade separate the Boundary Rd level crossing if he was elected. It is disappointing to see that 2.5 years on, the only thing they're talking about is more "studies".

Just build the damn thing. It's not even expensive - much less pricey than CRR or a railway duplication.

[dancingmongoose]

If I recall correctly, one of the ALP candidates in the area (I assume Peter Russo) promised to grade separate the Boundary Rd level crossing if he was elected. It is disappointing to see that 2.5 years on, the only thing they're talking about is more "studies".

Just build the damn thing. It's not even expensive - much less pricey than CRR or a railway duplication.

I recall council Labor made a promise to grade separate the crossing, but they didn't get in. Dunno about any other level though

[ozbob]

  

https://twitter.com/SteveGriffiths_/status/904131658957299712

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/904494980554571777

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Increased Gold Coast Commonwealth Games train frequency to hurt motorists

Southside motorists are braced for increased traffic heartache at the notorious Boundary Rd rail crossing at Coopers Plains, with an increase in Commonwealth Games train traffic to create even more frequent delays.

The implementation of an April 5-15 high-frequency timetable to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games means boom gates at Boundary Rd will be down at least twice every 10 minutes.

Queensland Rail Chief Executive Mick (sic) Easy said trains would run "every 10 minutes on average in both directions for most of the day, and greater frequency to support more popular events''.

When informed the Boundary Rd traffic delays would worsen during the duration of the Games, local resident and businesswoman Annamarie Newton said she was "gobsmacked''.

"I am horrified and gobsmacked that it could get worse,'' Ms Newton said.

Ms Newton, who lives on the eastern side of the rail crossing but works on the western side, crosses the line six times a day and said she would lose 30 minutes of her working day waiting at for the boom gates to lift and traffic to clear.

"Something has to be done,'' she said.

News of the looming traffic chaos at the rail crossing prompted local councillor Steve Griffiths (Moorooka ward) to call on Brisbane City Council to jointly fund an overpass 50-50 with the state government.

He said two northside railway overpasses were funded 50-50 between council and the state. "They (council) need to do on this side of the city what they did on thee other side of the city,'' he said. State ALP MP for Sunnybank Peter Russo said the state government would 100 per cent fund the business case study for an overpass.

Brisbane City Council infrastructure chairman Amanda Cooper said rail infrastructure was, and always had been, the responsibility of the state government.

She said Cr Steve Griffiths (Moorooka ward) should call on his state (ALP) colleagues to fund the Boundary Rd overpass rather than expecting ratepayers to fund it.

"Open level crossings have always been State Government infrastructure and responsibility, however, council stands ready to support an upgrade at Coopers Plains with a 15 per cent contribution.

"Traditionally rail replacements have always been a per cent contribution from Brisbane City Council and there are no plans to increase this funding for a State Government infrastructure project,'' she said.

"The only exceptions to this agreement were due to existing Council road projects that linked in with existing crossing projects, such as the Telegraph Road corridor upgrade at Bald Hills.

"Once again we see the local Labor Councillor prepared to let his State Labor Government colleagues off the hook for projects that are clearly long-held State responsibilities."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/874673563915100160

[aldonius]

Boundary Rd is going to be a real pain to grade sep, because it has relevant roads immediately either side of the LX. There's no good solution.

[BrizCommuter]

Boundary Rd is going to be a real pain to grade sep, because it has relevant roads immediately either side of the LX. There's no good solution.

South Pine Rd will be another interesting one on the Southern side of the crossing.