Level crossings and Grade separation - level crossing removal

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Rail crossing report ignored for seven years ahead of SEQ City Deal

South-east Queensland's policy paralysis on replacing rail crossings has been shown up by a 2012 engineering report, which shows both major political parties have almost ignored its recommendations.

In the nearly seven years since the Deloitte Access Economics report was compiled for Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads, only one of the six high-priority rail crossings it identified has been replaced.

This comes as a "statement of intent" could be signed in Brisbane on Friday between the three levels of government for a future south-east Queensland City Deal, which ties the different levels of government to funding promises over 15 or 20 years.

In 2012, Deloitte Access Economics recommended six open level crossings in Greater Brisbane to be replaced as a "high priority" for the Department of Transport and Main Roads:

Beams Road, Aspley
Boundary Road, Coopers Plains
Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge
Cavendish Road, Coorparoo
South Pine Road, Alderley
Wacol Station Road, Wacol

In 2017, Queensland Transport data showed seven people died, 19 were seriously injured and 35 received minor injuries at 1360 open level rail crossing incidents between 2009 and 2016.

Just last month, a 70-year-old woman died on a rail pedestrian crossing at Lindum station.

That outcome has triggered a call from federal MP Graham Perrett for three levels of government to jointly fund the high priority projects.

"That's why I'm asking the local government — lord mayor Graham Quirk — the state government and the federal government, to fund a third (each)," Mr Perrett said.

"That's my suggested solution. What could be fairer in terms of getting things sorted? This is not arguing about the politics of it, just being fair.

"If there are more trains going down to the Gold Coast, the bottleneck at Coopers Plains, will be a lot worse."

The SEQ City Deal is expected to recommend federal, state and local governments share funding to replace rail level crossings.

Seven years after 2012 Deloitte Access Economics report, only one of the high-priority crossings has been replaced (Bracken Ridge), along with one low-priority rail crossing at Geebung.

In 2018, the Queensland government committed $1.1 million to begin planning for rail crossings at Beams Road, Aspley, and Boundary Road at Coopers Plains, both of which were identified as being of high priority in the Deloitte report.

Aspley MP Bart Mellish said replacing the rail crossing was the number one infrastructure issue in his electorate.

Mr Mellish said he was aware of the 2012 Deloitte report, which recommended Beams Road be built before other rail crossings.

"I think it is very interesting that several overpasses with lower cost benefit ratios have gone ahead in 2012-13 rather than this project," he said.

Mr Mellish said the issue that was continually raised with him by his Aspley electorate and was the top issue on his Facebook page.

"We received $400,000 to commence planning in the 2018-19 budget," he said.

"Whether it is an overpass or not, we will just have to wait and see what the feasibility study recommends."

The Department of Transport and Main Roads did not answer questions about why it did not follow the 2012 rail crossing priorities set in the Deloitte report.

Cr Quirk said last week the reason Brisbane City Council offered 50 per cent to remove the rail level crossing projects in 2014 was because both rail crossings included council road projects.

The council and the then-LNP state government replaced the Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge, rail crossing and the Robinson Road Road, Geebung, level crossing in 2014.

"Rail replacements have traditionally always been funded with a 15 per cent contribution from Brisbane City Council and there are no plans to increase this funding for state government infrastructure projects," Cr Quirk 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 (Bracken Ridge)."

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[ozbob]

^

This is the report referred to the article above:

RAIL Back On Track made a successful RTI application for a report titled ' Cost-Benefit Analysis of Open Level Crossing Elimination 11 July 2012 ' A copy of which may be accessed here > https://backontrack.org/docs/LX/LXreport.pdf

Sent to all outlets:

5th Auguest 2018

SEQ Open Level Crossings and Grade Separation

Good Morning,

It does seem that any moves to remove level crossings around the SEQ rail network have largely 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 (3). 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 had these open level crossings as their top 5 elimination 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/ ]

RAIL Back On Track recently made a successful RTI application for a report titled ' Cost-Benefit Analysis of Open Level Crossing Elimination 11 July 2012 ' A copy of which may be accessed here > https://backontrack.org/docs/LX/LXreport.pdf




Interesting table from the report. Note 2012 document, Telegraph Road, Bald Hills (HIGH) & Robinson Road Geebung (LOW) have now been removed, the last grade separations on the SEQ rail network since 2014.

The 2012 report aligns with the recommendations from the SEQ Council of Mayors. So clearly these are the urgent priorities for grade separation. We understand that a business case has been started for the grade separation at Boundary Road, Coopers Plains. But more must be done. The Andrews Labor Government in Victoria made a commitment to remove FIFTY level crossings during their term of Government. They are well on the way, having completed 26 with more work underway to remove more ( https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ ).

What do you think are the priorities for open level crossing elimination in SEQ?

Best wishes,

Robert

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

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/

3. Benefits to non-motorists from level crossing removals
https://www.danielbowen.com/2015/12/15/grade-separation-benefits/

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1106218818135707649

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1106223086959890432

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Federal Labor promises to replace Brisbane rail crossing with overpass

A Labor federal government will contribute $73 million towards the $210 million needed to build the long-awaited overpass over the rail line on Boundary Road at Coopers Plains.

There have been four accidents each year at the rail crossing for the past seven years.

It was a high-priority project for Liberal federal MP Gary Hardgrave in his four terms from 1996 until 2007, but it was never funded.

Every day, traffic on busy Boundary Road at Coopers Plains is held up for several minutes 138 times a day to let Gold Coast to Brisbane trains run through the rail crossing.

Labor's shadow minister for infrastructure, transport, cities and regional development Anthony Albanese said Labor wanted to eliminate the serious bottleneck that could seriously affect train travel between Brisbane and the Gold Coast if one of those four incidents each year blocked the rail line.

"Federal Labor will fund one-third of the removal of this level crossing," Mr Albanese said.

"That is $73 million and it should be a commitment from each level of government: local, state and federal," he said.

The Queensland Government is now studying options for an overpass of the rail line.

Mr Albanese said state and local governments acknowledged the Boundary Road rail level crossing was a major choke point.

"We know also that it is a major safety issue," Mr Albanese said.

"Four times a year there is an accident at this very spot."

He said the subsequent traffic congestion during morning and afternoon peak hours, and school pick-up and drop-off times was a major problem caused by the frequent rail crossing.

"That is likely to be more frequent as the number of trains to the Gold Coast increases over a period of time," he said.

Mr Albanese said the previous Labor government provided $300 million in 2011 to build a major overpass at nearby Kessels and Main roads at Mount Gravatt.

"Just like the last federal Labor government fixed Mains and Kessels in this region, a future Labor government will fix this issue in partnership with local and state governments."

Member for Moreton Graham Perrett wrote to Brisbane's lord mayor suggesting the three-way "one-third each" spending breakdown.

"This is the rail line linking the Gold Coast to the city of Brisbane," Mr Perrett said.

"It is also on Boundary Road, which is one of the major east-west roads on the southside of Brisbane," he said.

"It is a big bottleneck in my electorate of Moreton and has been a weeping sore transport-wise for about 30-odd years."

Mr Perrett called on nearby LNP local councillors Stephen Huang (Mt Gravatt) and Kim Marx (Runcorn) to voice the concerns of residents in their council wards about the crossing.

In 2012, an investigation by Deloitte Access Economics into south-east Queensland's rail crossings identified the Coopers Plains' crossing as the second-highest-priority rail crossing to be replaced.

No work has been done, although the Queensland Government has begun a business case on the crossing.

Queensland Rail has been asked to check the severity of the accidents at the level crossing.

A spokeswoman for Brisbane's lord mayor Graham Quirk said Brisbane City Council was not prepared to increase its funding share above 15 per cent for Coopers Plains.

"There are no plans to increase this funding," the spokeswoman said.

"Traditionally rail replacements have always been a 15 per cent contribution from 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."

Cr Quirk and Brisbane City Council contributed 50 per cent of the funding to the past two rail crossings replaced in Brisbane, at Bracken Ridge and Geebung.

[verbatim9]

^^Will this speed up trains in this area? At the moment they come to a crawl. If track realignment needs to be done as well? It would  be good to ensure its completed together with the overpass

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Federal budget allocates $85 million to fix Lindum crossing

THE dangerous Lindum level crossing will finally be upgraded after the Morrison Government announced $85 million of funding to fix the intersection as part of yesterday's federal budget.

Federal member for Bonner Ross Vasta announced the funding last night for the crossing he has been fighting strongly for since 2017 with Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor in waiting Adrian Schrinner also committing $40 million for the works.

The news comes after residents as well as parents and teachers from the nearby Iona College have called for a solution for more than 12 years and after a 70-year-old died after being hit by a train at Lindum Station in February.

The $125 million is believed to be enough to fix the crossing once and for all with an overpass reportedly to cost around the $100 million mark. However, other solutions are set to be discussed.

Mr Vasta said he was thrilled to have been able to secure this money.

"Lindum Crossing is well known to local residents as a safety hazard and a traffic bottleneck

and is in desperate need of a solution," he said.

"This is a huge win for the bayside community, I've spoken to local families, businesses and

the community surrounding Lindum and they want to see this fixed, that's why I've worked

hard and today I've been able to deliver $85 million.

"I've pushed to ensure that I'm holding up my end of the bargain to see Lindum fixed for my constituents.

"I've been working with Brisbane City Council and incoming Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

Together we are calling on the State Labor Government to step up to the plate."

Mr Schrinner congratulated Mr Vasta for his tireless efforts to deliver this funding for the area.

"In addition to this contribution from the Federal Government funding Brisbane City Council

will commit $40 million towards the project," Mr Schrinner said.

"I support fixing Lindum and I'm hopeful that all three levels of government can work together to fix this intersection."

Mr Vasta said now that the Federal Government and the BCC have committed funding the only way this can go ahead is with a commitment from the State Labor Government.

"This project is being held up by the Queensland Labor Government, and by not working with us and committing funding for this project they're just delaying it even further for the people of Bonner," he said.

This funding has been delivered as part of the Coalition's $4 billion Urban Congestion Fund.

[timh]

Couriermail Quest --> Federal budget allocates $85 million to fix Lindum crossing

THE dangerous Lindum level crossing will finally be upgraded after the Morrison Government announced $85 million of funding to fix the intersection as part of yesterday's federal budget.

Federal member for Bonner Ross Vasta announced the funding last night for the crossing he has been fighting strongly for since 2017 with Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor in waiting Adrian Schrinner also committing $40 million for the works.

The news comes after residents as well as parents and teachers from the nearby Iona College have called for a solution for more than 12 years and after a 70-year-old died after being hit by a train at Lindum Station in February.

The $125 million is believed to be enough to fix the crossing once and for all with an overpass reportedly to cost around the $100 million mark. However, other solutions are set to be discussed.

Mr Vasta said he was thrilled to have been able to secure this money.

"Lindum Crossing is well known to local residents as a safety hazard and a traffic bottleneck

and is in desperate need of a solution," he said.

"This is a huge win for the bayside community, I've spoken to local families, businesses and

the community surrounding Lindum and they want to see this fixed, that's why I've worked

hard and today I've been able to deliver $85 million.

"I've pushed to ensure that I'm holding up my end of the bargain to see Lindum fixed for my constituents.

"I've been working with Brisbane City Council and incoming Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

Together we are calling on the State Labor Government to step up to the plate."

Mr Schrinner congratulated Mr Vasta for his tireless efforts to deliver this funding for the area.

"In addition to this contribution from the Federal Government funding Brisbane City Council

will commit $40 million towards the project," Mr Schrinner said.

"I support fixing Lindum and I'm hopeful that all three levels of government can work together to fix this intersection."

Mr Vasta said now that the Federal Government and the BCC have committed funding the only way this can go ahead is with a commitment from the State Labor Government.

"This project is being held up by the Queensland Labor Government, and by not working with us and committing funding for this project they're just delaying it even further for the people of Bonner," he said.

This funding has been delivered as part of the Coalition's $4 billion Urban Congestion Fund.

Something here doesn't add up. They said it was going to cost approx. $100m to fix the intersection with an overpass. The $125m that's now been committed (election pending) is (direct quote) "believed to be enough to fix the crossing once and for all with an overpass". So why are they asking to the State Gov to throw in more money? Doesn't make sense to me... I realise it should be the State Govs job since they own the rail infrastructure but if the money is there from the other two levels, just go ahead with it???

[ozbob]

I am not sure if the figure $125 Million is accurate.  Coopers Plains is around $205 Million.

The State will be expected to make a contribution.

[James]

I imagine state would be required to allow for the acquirement of land, particularly works on QR property - even if no financial contribution is involved.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> LNP politicians call for urgent meeting with State Government to fix dangerous crossing

LNP politicians have called for an urgent meeting with the State Government to start the process for a solution to the dangerous Lindum level crossing.

The call comes after Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta and the Morrison Government committed to $85 million for an upgrade to the crossing, which has been a major concern for residents and commuters for more than a decade.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also announced the Brisbane City Council would commit $45 million to the project, a far cry from the 15 per cent the council previously said they would contribute before last week.

"We want it fixed, the community wants to see it fixed, all we need now is the State Government to come on board to get this done," Mr Schrinner said.

"It's not a project any level of government can or should go on their own with, it's got to be a joint project, it's always been the case.

"Generally the State Government leads these projects, that's what has generally happened over the history of this city."

Mr Vasta said they want to get the crossing fixed immediately but need some co-operation from the State Government.

"We just need the State Government now to commit money.

"I've already written to (State Member for Lytton) Joan Pease and Mark Bailey, saying $400,000 is there for the planning and I haven't even got a response. This (Lytton) is a safe Labor seat but they are taking the community for granted and we don't think they want to see Lindum fixed but we do.

"I'm really disappointed there hasn't been a response from State saying 'hey well done, let's work together and fix this'."

LNP Councillor for Doboy Ryan Murphy, who was a student at the nearby Iona College 13 years ago, said the crossing was an issue when he was at school.

"Just over a month ago, someone lost their life here at the Lindum crossing, we don't want to see anyone else lose their life here," he said.

"Right now we have two levels of government who have signed on and committed funding to the project ... All we need for them now is to come and meet and work with us and get the project underway.

"I just really want the transport minister Mark Bailey to come and talk to us about how we progress this project, state has to take the lead."

State Government Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey the current focus was to do the business case and plans for a preferred option as well as the final cost for the Lindum project.

"For some time Council refused any more than 15 per cent towards the cost of fixing level crossings in Brisbane, so Council's contribution is a positive step," he said.

"I hope we'll see the same level of support from Council for other level crossings in Brisbane, like Coopers Plains.
"Once that's (business case and plans) complete, all three levels of government will negotiate how the project will be delivered."

[timh]

Couriermail Quest --> LNP politicians call for urgent meeting with State Government to fix dangerous crossing

"I hope we'll see the same level of support from Council for other level crossings in Brisbane, like Coopers Plains.

Wow, crying poor much. It's not council's job really, it's the State's!

[ozbob]

RACQ Red Spot Congestion Survey 2019 - Main Report (PDF, 475KB)


Table 2 – Top 5 Railway Crossings

Table 2 below lists the top 5 most nominated railway (level) crossings. There were four locations nominated to the south of Brisbane City, and one location nominated to the north of Brisbane.

1 Boundary Road, Coopers Plains
2 Cavendish Road, Coorparoo
3 Beams Road, Carseldine
4 Kianawah Rd / Lindum Rd, Hemmant
5 Warrigal Road, Runcorn

[timh]

RACQ Red Spot Congestion Survey 2019 - Main Report (PDF, 475KB)


Table 2 – Top 5 Railway Crossings

Table 2 below lists the top 5 most nominated railway (level) crossings. There were four locations nominated to the south of Brisbane City, and one location nominated to the north of Brisbane.

1 Boundary Road, Coopers Plains
2 Cavendish Road, Coorparoo
3 Beams Road, Carseldine
4 Kianawah Rd / Lindum Rd, Hemmant
5 Warrigal Road, Runcorn

Warrigal road desperately needs to be done. 150 services need to cross there, and in the AM peak it creates absolute chaos. A high frequency BUZ service shouldn't have to contend with waiting for level crossings there (those boomgates can be down for up to 10 minutes). Between 7-7:30 there should be a 150/156/157 about every 3 minutes coming down Warrigal road, but if they get stuck at the level crossing they tend to bunch up. No services between 7-7:20 then like 6 come at once, ridiculous.

I think improving reliability on another important public transport route is good reason to remove a level crossing, as in this case it would be doing more than just conveniencing motorists.

[ozbob]

Too right Tim!

Daniel Bowen has done a nice blog on this.

Benefits to non-motorists from level crossing removals > https://www.danielbowen.com/2015/12/15/grade-separation-benefits/

[HappyTrainGuy]

Couriermail Quest --> LNP politicians call for urgent meeting with State Government to fix dangerous crossing

"I hope we'll see the same level of support from Council for other level crossings in Brisbane, like Coopers Plains.

Wow, crying poor much. It's not council's job really, it's the State's!

It's both - but that percentage changes on who wants what in the future. Geebung only went ahead because council was funding extra things ie road design and property - such as on the eastern side where townhouses are now being built on what were large blocks of land with single dwellings.

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

[SurfRail]

I'm a bit surprised South Pine Road is not on that list.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Calls for governments to plan to rid Brisbane of level crossings or risk serious problems

ALL levels of government risk serious problems or even more fatalities if a plan is not put together to rid metropolitan areas across Brisbane of all level crossings, according to a rail group spokesman.

Robert Dow from RAIL — Back on Track believes the Brisbane City Council, State Government and Federal Governments must come together and follow Melbourne's lead when it comes to level crossings.

The last level crossings removed in southeast Queensland were the crossings at Telegraph Rd, Bald Hills and Robinson Rd at Geebung in 2014.

And although there are plans in the works for solutions for other level crossings including Lindum, Coorparoo and Coopers Plains, Mr Dow said a rolling pan (plan) must be put together for the next two decades or risk serious congestion and safety problems.

"It must happen, a rolling plan has to be put together with the aim of trying to remove all level crossings in the next 20 years," he said.

"Otherwise with more train services being added to peak times, there's going to be more delays, more congestion and on top of that a lot more safety risks and potentially fatalities.

"The last crossings we had removed were in 2014, nothing has really happened since then. I think the aim should be at least two every financial year, I know it's a costly exercise but the benefits outweigh those risks.

"We have 52 level crossings in southeast Queensland, if we can get two a year removed, it just over 20 years they would almost all be gone. Look at Melbourne, they've put a plan together and have removed 25 with the aim of removing 75.

"All levels of government must come together and get this done, or we are going to be stuck in a really tough place."

Mr Dow said the danger of level crossings was extreme.

"If you think about it, there are so many safety risks," he said.

"But the main one you see is with motorists, level crossings are closed a lot longer than other level crossings, so people tend to take more risks and that leads to accidents.

"But removing level crossings doesn't just benefit motorists. It helps trains, especially in peak periods run a lot more smoothly, better for other public transport such as buses, removes a lot of the risks for pedestrians and on top of that, emergency vehicles can get caught up in level crossings as well, which we don't want."

Mr Dow said he hoped all levels of government would address the issue with more urgency going forward.

He also said he liked Melbourne's common solution after the removal of level crossings, which was elevated rail lines and believed it could be the best solution for stations such as Coorparoo.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1121679386426560512

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Going well ..

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1121856913405145088

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th April 2019

Removal of level crossings in SEQ must now be an urgent priority

Good Morning,

The last level crossings removed in SEQ were the crossings at Telegraph Road, Bald Hills & Robinson Road Geebung in 2014.

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

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

RAIL Back On Track made a successful RTI application for a report titled ' Cost-Benefit Analysis of Open Level Crossing Elimination 11 July 2012 ' A copy of which may be accessed here > https://backontrack.org/docs/LX/LXreport.pdf this report supports the SEQ Council of Mayors priorities.

The recent RACQ Red Spot Congestion Survey 2019 - (main report available at https://www.racq.com.au/redspot )
lists the top 5 most nominated railway (level) crossings for removal. There were four locations nominated to the south of Brisbane City, and one location nominated to the north of Brisbane.

1 Boundary Road, Coopers Plains
2 Cavendish Road, Coorparoo
3 Beams Road, Carseldine
4 Kianawah Rd / Lindum Rd, Hemmant
5 Warrigal Road, Runcorn

TMR is currently looking at options for the Boundary Road (Coopers Plains) rail level crossing https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/B/Boundary-Road-Coopers-Plains-rail-level-crossing

There are a lot of benefits when level crossings are removed. It is not only motorists that benefit. Daniel Bowen (PTUA Victoria) has done an informative blog on this.

Benefits to non-motorists from level crossing removals > https://www.danielbowen.com/2015/12/15/grade-separation-benefits/

There are around 52 level crossings on the Queensland Rail Citytrain Network south of Caboolture.  Unless there is a committment from both sides of the political fence to step up the rate of level crossing elimination (grade separation) there will be increasing impacts on the road transport network and the reliability and safety of rail itself.   We suggest that from this point on, there needs to be a firm committment to eliminate at least two open level crossings per financial year.  The Victorian Government has progressed the removal of level crossings at a rate not seen before.  They have removed 29 level crossings in the last few years and plan to remove a total of 75 by 2025!  Contrast this to Queensland.  We suggest the Queensland Government set up an authority  similar to the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) of Victoria ( https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/More-level-crossing-removals-on-the-way ).  They should also liaise with the LXRA on the learnings they have gained from their recent experiences with level crossing elimination.

Recent feedback on our Facebook posts on level crossing removal confirms that this is an important issue for our community and must be properly addressed (1, 2).

Best wishes

Robert

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

1.  Which level crossings would you like to see removed in SEQ? > https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2585140008166837

2.  Calls for governments to plan to rid Brisbane of level crossings or risk serious problems > https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2585435414803963

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1122265544273489921

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/danielbowen/status/1122308885342089216

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 30th April 2019 page 15

Step up removal of level crossings

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Politicians continue back and forth but progress is made for Lindum crossing solution

Politicians continue to go back and forth over a solution to one of Brisbane's most dangerous road and rail intersections but it appears some progress has been made.

LOCAL politicians continue to go back and forth at each other about a solution for the dangerous Lindum level crossing.

Newly re-elected Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta committed $85 million from the federal budget for the intersection upgrade as well as $400,000 for a feasibility study.

Following on from Mr Vasta's funding announcement, the Brisbane City Council also raised their level of commitment to $40 million for the project.

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease recently also committed $400,000 for a feasibility study, to research what was the best solution for the crossing.

But on Friday last week, which was also Fatality Free Friday, Mr Vasta said he was still waiting on Ms Pease to accept an invite to meet with him on the issue.

"In April this year Ms Pease said she would put forward $400,000 from the State Government towards the business case, which she said is expected to take 18 months to develop, well let's do it, what is the hold up," he said.

Since those comments, Mr Vasta has said he received notification from the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey that the State Government had provided the Brisbane City Council with the $400,000 to conduct the feasibility study.

Ms Pease responded and said she wanted a real solution, not a political fix.

"The study needs to look at transport in the precinct more generally and address a range of issues, including making local traffic and pedestrian movements safer, improving bus and rail facilities and connections, bike riding infrastructure and accessibility requirements.

"Community feedback will be an important part of the study process. I've recently met with Minister Mark Bailey and he has assured me that the Department of Transport and Main Roads will work with Brisbane City Council and ensure appropriate consultation occurs."

Nyree Mannion from road safety advocacy group Make it Home Safely met with Mr Vasta at the crossing last Friday and said there were too many risks being taken at the crossing and it needed to be fixed as soon as possible.

"We are hearing and seeing too many risks being taken at the Lindum crossing because of the delays and bottlenecks caused by freight and passenger trains," she said.

"We have young learner drivers from Iona College travelling to and from school and it's deeply concerning because it only takes a split second for an accident or fatality to occur. We need Lindum crossing fixed as soon as possible to prevent the loss of a life."

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Still no answers on timeline for Coopers Plains level crossing

The Federal Government has announced it will commit $73 million to upgrading one of southeast Queensland's most dangerous level railway crossings — but nobody can say when it will be fixed.

THE Federal Government has committed $73 million to a dangerous black spot at Coopers Plains, but southside residents are still no closer to knowing when will be fixed.

During Question Time on Tuesday, ALP Federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett put deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack on the spot about when work would begin on the Boundary Rd level crossing.

"When will work start on removing the dangerous level crossing on Boundary Street in Coopers Plain in Moreton?" he asked.

But Mr McCormack sidestepped the question, instead using his response time to spruik the Federal Government's tax cuts, and upgrades to the Pacific and Ipswich motorways.

Mr Perrett lashed out at the deputy Prime Minister for dodging the question.

"This is a dangerous level crossing in my electorate. This has nothing to do with infrastructure already built or out on the edge of my electorate," Mr Perrett said.

The crossing has been a source of frustration for motorists, residents and businesses for decades and was one of six open level crossings in Greater Brisbane that was labelled as a "high priority" in a 2012 engineering report.

In April, the Federal Government announced the crossing would be removed as part of a $226.25 million Coalition scheme to slash commuting times.

Yesterday, a spokesman for the deputy Prime Minister said $73 million of this congesting-bust fund would be put towards the crossing.

The overpass is estimated to cost $200 million and the State Government and Brisbane City Council will need to come to the party with the additional funds.

"The Department of Infrastructure is working with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council on the delivery of this project," a spokesman for Mr McCormack said.

Last year, the Queensland Government invested $800,000 last year for a business case to determine if an overpass is the best solution for the crossing.

The study is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1155505117904248832

[ozbob]

Despite being one of the worst crossings in #QLD, residents are still waiting for the State Gov to replace the Coopers Plains crossing. #TeamSchrinner is today putting $40M on the table, on top of the Federal Gov's commitment - now the State Gov needs to get a move on🚂@Schrinner pic.twitter.com/Y5vpB8vKDB

— Team Schrinner (@team_schrinner) August 13, 2019

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th August 2019

Coopers Plains Level Crossing - BCC puts $40 million towards its removal

Greetings,

RAIL Back On Track welcomes today's commitment by Lord Mayor Schrinner and BCC to put $40 million towards the level crossing removal at Boundary Road Coopers Plains.  Thank you.

The Federal Government has previously indicated they will put $73 million towards the project, so it is now up to the State to fund the remaining $87 million and get the project underway once the planning study is complete ( https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/B/Boundary-Road-Coopers-Plains-rail-level-crossing ).

Level crossing removal in SEQ has stalled. The last level crossings removed in SEQ were the crossings at Telegraph Road, Bald Hills & Robinson Road Geebung in 2014.

There are a lot of benefits when level crossings are removed. It is not only motorists that benefit. Daniel Bowen (PTUA Victoria) has done an informative blog on this.

Benefits to non-motorists from level crossing removals > https://www.danielbowen.com/2015/12/15/grade-separation-benefits/

There are around 52 level crossings on the Queensland Rail Citytrain Network south of Caboolture.  Unless there is a commitment from both sides of the political fence to step up the rate of level crossing elimination (grade separation) there will be increasing impacts on the road transport network and the reliability and safety of rail itself. 

We suggest that from this point on, there needs to be a firm commitment to eliminate at least two open level crossings per financial year.  The Victorian Government has progressed the removal of level crossings at a rate not seen before.  They have removed 29 level crossings in the last few years and plan to remove a total of 75 by 2025!  Contrast this to Queensland.  We suggest the Queensland Government set up an authority  similar to the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) of Victoria ( https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/More-level-crossing-removals-on-the-way ).  They should also liaise with the LXRA on the lessons they have gained from their recent experiences with level crossing elimination.

Best wishes,

Robert

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

[ozbob]

Latest: Coopers Plains Level Crossing - BCC puts $40 million towards its removal
> https://t.co/4unwyOwaGm#qldpol #bnepol@MarkBaileyMP @SteveMinnikinMP @Schrinner @team_schrinner @RACQOfficial @SEQMayors pic.twitter.com/M4AMgcJWy0

— RAIL_BoT_Forum (@railbotforum) August 13, 2019

[SurfRail]

It should be the CRRDA running this stuff, the way they are also procuring the ETCS rollout and new Gold Coast stations.  Most of the more problematic LXs - in particular Beams Rd and Boundary Rd (which are the 2 most likely to be removed the quickest) - directly affect services that will be rerouted into CRR.

There has been a similar widening of scope in Victoria with LXRA also being responsible for various other projects (eg Hurstbridge line track amplification).

Over time that should basically become the major projects section of a proper public transport agency (and not just for rail).

[achiruel]

I believe there was another crash at Lindum today. This might lead to funding being diverted to replace that LX, even though in network terms it's not the most urgent. Is there something about the design that makes it unsafe, or are some drivers just idiots?

[verbatim9]

Brisbane City Council wants to get rid of one of the city's busiest level crossings to bust congestion.

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1161193399451447296

Brisbane City Council wants to get rid of one of the city's busiest level crossings to bust congestion. #bnetraffic #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/K8m4I5Q3Qh

— 7NEWS Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) August 13, 2019

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1178745667658760192

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1178747676168351745

[kram0]

Clearly the Victorian state government offer far more than our do nothing Queensland state government.

Bailey is the MOST INCOMPETENT minster I have ever spoken too. If he had a brain he would be dangerous!!

[#Metro]

Bailey is the MOST INCOMPETENT minster I have ever spoken too. If he had a brain he would be dangerous!!

Minister for Instagram? 

Melbourne and Sydney are going big now.  If we don't start soon in brisBANE going to be left right behind ...

Having the bus back door open for boarding would be a good start.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Safety overhaul of dangerous Lindum level crossing launched with public consultation

THE process to overhaul a dangerous Brisbane level crossing where a woman died earlier this year has officially started.

Community consultation opened today for a long-awaited fix to the Lindum level crossing with an online forum launched to engage with residents of Brisbane's bayside and pop-up engagement booths to be held throughout this month.

The news comes after more than a decade of commuters, politicians, local residents as well as students, teachers and parents from nearby schools calling for change at the crossing and just months after the Federal Government announced $85 million of funding for a solution along with a $40 million contribution from the Brisbane City Council.

The State Government has contributed $400,000 towards the feasibility study.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the upgrade would help bust congestion and improve safety and accessibility.

"We're keen to hear from residents who use this intersection every day, so we can make sure we get this right the first time," he said.

"We've launched a survey website and will make pop-up stalls available near the station so we can hear from residents and local businesses how we can improve safety and accessibility."

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the comprehensive study would also look into the precinct more generally to address a range of issues.

These issues included safety, improving bus and rail facilities and connections, park 'n' ride facilities, bike riding infrastructure and accessibility requirements.

"This is about delivering a real solution for Lindum and bayside locals," Mr Bailey said.

"Tapping into local knowledge will make sure we come up with the best possible option for an upgrade – one that addresses the issues relevant to the crossing and station precinct."

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Lindum Crossing was well known to local residents as a safety hazard and traffic bottleneck in desperate need of fixing.

"I have been fighting for this upgrade since 2017 and have gathered more than 7000 signatures from the community," he said.

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease said the start of the process for a solution at the Lindum Rail Station was a huge win for the bayside community.

"Our residents and businesses have been pushing to fix Lindum Crossing for a long time and I have been right behind them since 2015 to make this project a priority," she said.

"The Lindum rail crossing is a complex four-way intersection, which is why we're doing this study – to come up with an option that provides a safe crossing for everyone who uses it, improves traffic flow and protects the rail corridor."

For further information or to keep an eye out for the times and locations of the pop-up engagement booths, visit the website at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/lindumstudy.

[verbatim9]

I don't understand why a feasibility study needs to be done. Surely past data can support a level crossing removal? 400,000 is a lot of money.

[Gazza]

I think when they mean feasibility study they are talking about construction feasibility, eg investigating how to actually build it eg rail over, rail under, road under.

[Cleveland Line]

Infrastructure plans for the area have long shown an upgrade of Kianawah Road to link Tilley Road from Old Cleveland Road to Port of Brisbane. The below is from 2007 BCC planning document, but I'm fairly certain it remains in current plans.


Page 46
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/wynnumpsp.pdf.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwies-Hqn9DlAhWUF3IKHc1QCGQQFjAAegQIBBAB&usg=AOvVaw2iC8cpQGUFhySoxLw7DD2e

At the Lindum station crossing you can see the new blue arterial road takes a slight detour to the west, avoiding the intersection/ level crossing.

Hopefully the study considers this and an option of building that portion of the arterial road with new intersections, closing the level crossing and accessibility upgrades to the station incorporating pedestrian movements across the railway lines.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/11/4/first-step-towards-fixing-lindum-black-spot

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Monday, November 04, 2019

First step towards fixing Lindum black spot

The overhaul of a Brisbane black spot is a step closer, with community consultation for the Lindum level crossing upgrade commencing today.

An online forum will go live today with pop-up engagement booths to be held throughout November to leverage the knowledge of bayside locals.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the upgrade would help bust congestion and improve safety and accessibility.

"We're keen to hear from residents who use this intersection every day, so we can make sure we get this right the first time," Mr Tudge said.

"We've launched a survey website and will make pop-up stalls available near the station so we can hear from residents and local businesses how we can improve safety and accessibility."

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the comprehensive study would also look into the precinct more generally to address a range of issues, including safety, improving bus and rail facilities and connections, park 'n' ride facilities, bike riding infrastructure and accessibility requirements.

"This is about delivering a real solution for Lindum and bayside locals," Mr Bailey said.

"Tapping into local knowledge will make sure we come up with the best possible option for an upgrade – one that addresses the issues relevant to the crossing and station precinct."

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Lindum Crossing was well known to local residents as a safety hazard and traffic bottleneck in desperate need of fixing.

"I have been fighting for this upgrade since 2017 and have gathered more than 7000 signatures from the community," Mr Vasta said.

"So far the Morrison Government has delivered $450,000 for the feasibility study in April 2019, and a further $85 million to fund fixing this crossing.

"This vital upgrade was also supported by a $40 million commitment by Brisbane City Council."

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease said it was a huge win for the bayside community, with the Queensland Government dedicating $400,000 in its budget for the study.

"Our residents and businesses have been pushing to fix Lindum Crossing for a long time and I have been right behind them to make this project a priority," Ms Pease said.

"The Lindum rail crossing is a complex four-way intersection, which is why we're doing this study - to come up with an option that provides a safe crossing for everyone who uses it, improves traffic flow and protects the rail corridor."

For further information or to keep an eye out for the times and locations of the pop-up engagement booths, visit website at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/lindumstudy.

ENDS