Level crossings and Grade separation - level crossing removal

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Near-misses at level crossings increase despite campaign urging motorist care

Drivers and pedestrians are dicing with death across southeast Queensland, narrowly missing trains travelling up to 140km/h on level crossings. SEE THE MOST DANGEROUS SPOTS

MORE Queenslanders are dicing with death at level crossings, The Courier-Mail can reveal.

News that an increasing number of drivers and pedestrians narrowly avoided disaster at level crossings last financial year comes despite a Queensland Rail campaign warning people of the catastrophic danger.

Startling data shows there were 127 "near-misses" on the Queensland Rail network in the 2018-19 financial year, up on 120 for the previous year.

The biggest increase was in the number of close calls involving motor vehicles, rising from 50 to 56.

Pedestrians are still the most frequent offenders however, with 71 near misses in 2018-19, compared to 70 the previous year.

The new data has prompted public transport advocate Robert Dow to renew calls for dangerous level crossings to be removed by elevating either the road or tracks.

But Queensland Rail's chief executive Nick Easy said all of the incidents were avoidable.

"In each incident, the motorist or pedestrian failed to adhere to warning signs and proceeded in front of an oncoming train," he said.

The statistics were a reversal of the year prior, when a QR campaign called "Heavy Metal Stops for No One" led to a decrease in near-misses by 19 per cent.

"Trains across our southeast Queensland network travel at speeds of up to 140 kilometres an hour," Mr Easy said.

"They can't swerve to avoid pedestrians or motorists and can take hundreds of metres to stop."

The four most dangerous level crossings were at Warrigal Rd in Fruitgrove, Old Beaudesert Rd in Salisbury, Trinder Crossing at Trinder Park, and Stones Rd in Sunnybank.

Each had four reported near misses between cars and trains over the financial year.

Six near misses between trains and pedestrians were reported at Florence St in Wynnum, the most dangerous.

Mr Dow said the level crossing removal program had stalled since 2014.

He said level crossings were frustrating for motorists forced to wait in building traffic while trains passed.

Mr Dow warned crossings needed to be removed before Cross River Rail, when boom gates would be forced down more frequently.

"If they want to run more frequent trains, and they plan to, they need to pay close attention to removing level crossings," he said.

"It interferes with the flow of traffic."

"They need to do two a year for the next 10 years."

Transport minister Mark Bailey said removing level crossings was an expensive process and two projects, at Coorparoo and Coopers Plains, are estimated to cost $320 million and $200 million.

"Level crossings are already a major issue for motorists and commuters across Brisbane, and we need all levels of government to work together and provide adequate funding to fix them," Minister Bailey said.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1211308464741310465

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th December 2019

Level crossing removals must be accelerated

Greetings,

The Couriermail has today highlighted the safety issues with level crossings.  ' Near-misses at level crossings increase despite campaign urging motorist care ' https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/nearmisses-at-level-crossings-increase-despite-campaign-urging-motorist-care/news-story/56fc9e23abd48d919a6725d618424b65

The removal of level crossings has stagnated in SEQ.  The last level crossings removed were done in 2014.  Since then there has been none.  Contrast this to Victoria, which in that time has removed 31 level crossings and is working towards removing a total of 75 by 2025 ( Level Crossing Removal Project https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ )

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 in SEQ.  The Victorian Government has progressed the removal of level crossings at a rate not seen before.  They have removed 31 level crossings in the last few years and plan to remove a total of 75 by 2025!  Contrast this to Queensland which has not removed any.  We suggest the Queensland Government set up an authority similar to the Level Crossing Removal Project in Victoria.  They should also liaise with Victoria on the lessons they have gained from their recent experiences with level crossing elimination.

It is proposed that there will be increased train service frequencies post Cross River Rail.  For example, 5 minute services on the Gold Coast line during peaks.  The impact of this frequency on level crossings will be profound. When one considers that the 4 most dangerous level crossings reported by the Couriermail are: Warrigal Rd in Fruitgrove, Old Beaudesert Rd in Salisbury, Trinder Crossing at Trinder Park, and Stones Rd in Sunnybank, are on the Gold Coast / Beenleigh line, a potential catastrophic situation awaits as frustrated motor vehicle drivers are tempted to race boom gates. When you take into account the Gold Coast services, the Beenleigh all station trains,  and the counter-peak services, it is likely that the boom gates would be down for around 40 minutes at a minimum in the hour during peaks. Clearly unmanageable.

In 2020 we will be looking for a real committment by Government and the Opposition to accelerating the removal of level crossings. There is strong community support (1).

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

Reference:

1. 28th April 2019: Which level crossings would you like to see removed in SEQ?
https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2585140008166837

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1211390896463175680

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

[timh]

As I've stated before Warrigal road LX definitely needs to go. Dangers aside, the boomgates are down for a long time in the AM peak, holding up all the high frequency bus routes (150,156,157) that go down Warrigal road. Makes for a very unreliable timetable.

There's something a little funny in that article though. Yes the network can go up to 140km/h but surely there's no level crossing where the trains are permitted to go that fast? I thought those speeds were only achievable on the Springfield and GC line (south of Beenleigh)

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[Arnz]

As I've stated before Warrigal road LX definitely needs to go. Dangers aside, the boomgates are down for a long time in the AM peak, holding up all the high frequency bus routes (150,156,157) that go down Warrigal road. Makes for a very unreliable timetable.

There's something a little funny in that article though. Yes the network can go up to 140km/h but surely there's no level crossing where the trains are permitted to go that fast? I thought those speeds were only achievable on the Springfield and GC line (south of Beenleigh)

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

North of Caboolture to Beerburrum is signposted at 140km/h for MUs and 160km/h for Tilts.

[red dragin]

No level crossings aside from Pumicestone Rd and McKean Stwhich I doubt they are travelling at that speed through given the proximity to Caboolture Station.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1211510108372393985

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 1st January 2020 page 17

Level crossing removals must be accelerated

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Public consultation for Lindum crossing to close next month

BRISBANE residents have just a little over a month to have their say on a solution for one of city's most dangerous rail crossings.

After more than $125 million in funding was designated to a long-awaited fix for the Lindum rail crossing, $85 million coming from the Federal Government as well as $40 million from the Brisbane City Council and $600,000 from the State Government, public consultation will close on February 28.

The crossing has been a major issue among local residents and schools for more than a decade with a spotlight put on the intersection after a woman died there last February.

"Since we put the call out for comments, hundreds of baysiders have shared their feedback to make sure we come up with the best possible solutions," State Member for Lytton Joan Pease said.

"Since consultation started on 4 November, we've received more than 200 online survey responses and more than 155 ideas have been shared on the interactive ideas wall.

"This feedback will be vital in ensuring we come up with an option that provides a safe crossing, improves traffic flow and protects the rail corridor."

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said four pop-up stalls were also held near the station in late-2019.

"These pop-up stalls proved to a be notable success in gathering resident and local business interest," Mr Bailey said.

"The feedback focused on a range of issues including safety, improving bus and rail facilities and connections, park 'n' ride facilities, bike riding infrastructure and accessibility requirements. "Tapping into local knowledge ensures we deliver a real solution for residents and businesses who have been pushing to have this crossing fixed."

Visit https://transportandmainroads.mysocial pinpoint.com.au/lindum study to have your say.

Or email: lindum study@tmr.qld.gov.au.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1222806126598602752

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Commitment by Labor Brisbane Lord Mayoral Candidate Patrick Condren to level crossing removals welcome

25th February 2020

Good Morning,

RAIL Back On Track welcomes the commitment by Labor Brisbane Lord Mayoral Candidate Patrick Condren to some level crossing removals.

Couriermail: $400m Labor pitch to fix Brisbane's 5 worst level crossings
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/400m-labor-pitch-to-fix-brisbanes-5-worst-level-crossings/news-story/75e954df9fcc568e38eeade550eb8084

Since 2015 no level crossings have been removed in Brisbane or SEQ for that matter.  Victoria has now removed 34 level crossings around Melbourne since 2015 and is well on the way to the first target of 50.

With the completion of Cross River Rail in 2024, unless level crossing removal is stepped up, the increased train frequencies will cause great disruption to the road networks at peak.

As we suggested on the 30th December 2019, " In 2020 we will be looking for a real committment by Government and the Opposition to accelerating the removal of level crossings. There is strong community support ... "

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

30th December 2019

Level crossing removals must be accelerated

Greetings,

The Couriermail has today highlighted the safety issues with level crossings.  ' Near-misses at level crossings increase despite campaign urging motorist care ' https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/nearmisses-at-level-crossings-increase-despite-campaign-urging-motorist-care/news-story/56fc9e23abd48d919a6725d618424b65

The removal of level crossings has stagnated in SEQ.  The last level crossings removed were done in 2014.  Since then there has been none.  Contrast this to Victoria, which in that time has removed 31 level crossings and is working towards removing a total of 75 by 2025 ( Level Crossing Removal Project https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ )

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 in SEQ.  The Victorian Government has progressed the removal of level crossings at a rate not seen before.  They have removed 31 level crossings in the last few years and plan to remove a total of 75 by 2025!  Contrast this to Queensland which has not removed any.  We suggest the Queensland Government set up an authority similar to the Level Crossing Removal Project in Victoria.  They should also liaise with Victoria on the lessons they have gained from their recent experiences with level crossing elimination.

It is proposed that there will be increased train service frequencies post Cross River Rail.  For example, 5 minute services on the Gold Coast line during peaks.  The impact of this frequency on level crossings will be profound. When one considers that the 4 most dangerous level crossings reported by the Couriermail are: Warrigal Rd in Fruitgrove, Old Beaudesert Rd in Salisbury, Trinder Crossing at Trinder Park, and Stones Rd in Sunnybank, are on the Gold Coast / Beenleigh line, a potential catastrophic situation awaits as frustrated motor vehicle drivers are tempted to race boom gates. When you take into account the Gold Coast services, the Beenleigh all station trains,  and the counter-peak services, it is likely that the boom gates would be down for around 40 minutes at a minimum in the hour during peaks. Clearly unmanageable.

In 2020 we will be looking for a real committment by Government and the Opposition to accelerating the removal of level crossings. There is strong community support (1).

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

Reference:

1. 28th April 2019: Which level crossings would you like to see removed in SEQ?
https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2585140008166837

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1232235937746190336

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 26th February 2020 page 15

Level crossing idea welcomed

[ozbob]

Drew Pickwick - Candidate for Division 3, Ipswich City Council
Media Release

Bold plan to eliminate Wacol rail crossing

2 March, 2020

Ipswich Division 3 candidate Drew Pickwick has announced a bold plan to eliminate the Wacol Station Road open level rail crossing, allowing the frequency of trains on the Ipswich line to be boosted.

The removal of the Wacol open level rail crossing was identified as a high priority by the Queensland Government in 2012, but nothing has been done since to address the issue.

Drew Pickwick, candidate for Division 3 in Ipswich, says it's time for Ipswich City Council to invest funds in removing this high priority rail crossing to boost the safety and efficiency of the Ipswich rail line.

Mr Pickwick is calling for Ipswich City Council to collaborate with its counterparts at Brisbane City Council to share the local government contribution to remove the crossing and bring the focus back to this critical project.

"While the Wacol crossing sits in the Brisbane City Council area, Ipswich residents cop the delays and congestion caused by this open level rail crossing.

"The removal of the Wacol rail crossing will not only reduce the possibility of boom strikes and collisions at this spot, but is a crucial step forward in delivering faster rail services for Ipswich commuters.

"Open level rail crossings are dangerous for both pedestrians and vehicles, accounting for around 25 percent of all rail fatalities and serious injury. They're also a constant source of delays for the Citytrain network.

"Brisbane City Council has actively engaged in the removal open level crossings in partnership with the Commonwealth and State governments. Ipswich can prompt action here by investing in and advocating for the removal of the Wacol rail crossing.

"In conjunction with the Ipswich to Springfield rail line, this will be an important step in speeding up the rail commute for Ipswich residents and effectively catering for the growing population of the City of Ipswich.

"Without bold and proactive moves to improve mass transit in Ipswich, our public transport will fail to keep pace with the growth of the city and result in increasing traffic congestion and the loss of time and productivity for our residents and businesses.

"The Ipswich rail line is the spine of Division 3 and an important transport connection for Ipswich. The removal of Wacol open level crossing is part of my ongoing commitment to deliver better transport for Division 3 and the City of Ipswich."

Typically, the local government contribution to the removal of an open level crossing in Brisbane has been 15 percent of the total project costs. Although, there is no set formula for these projects.

It is proposed Ipswich City Council commits to splitting the 15 percent of total project costs with Brisbane City Council to bring the removal of the Wacol Station Road rail crossing forward.

Public transport advocates Rail Back on Track and the Council of Mayors (SEQ) have previously called for the removal of the Wacol Station Road crossing as a high priority, with an estimated total project cost of $200 million.

- Ends -

[timh]

Great idea. Glad to see someone from Ipswich wanting to pitch in

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

Congestion around the Wacol LX is getting very significant.

" The 7.35am route 463 inbound bus is delayed 60 minutes due to heavy traffic congestion at Wacol station. This bus is now due to arrive at Goodna Station at 9.01am. "
8:45 AM · Mar 4, 2020

[verbatim9]

Congestion around the Wacol LX is getting very significant.

" The 7.35am route 463 inbound bus is delayed 60 minutes due to heavy traffic congestion at Wacol station. This bus is now due to arrive at Goodna Station at 9.01am. "
8:45 AM · Mar 4, 2020

I wonder with the proposed Green Bridge project (Wacol to Bellbowrie) if the level crossing can be removed and an upgrade to to the station can be achieved at the same time?

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Residents display disgust over lack of action after another accident at level crossing

A LACK of action to fix a deadly Brisbane crossing continues to anger residents and commuters after another accident this morning.

A resident of Brisbane's bayside displayed her displeasure with the time it has taken for authorities to come up with a solution for the Lindum Level Crossing, after a two-vehicle collision at 6.51am.

Luckily for the people involved, the crash was not too serious as a Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said they assessed two persons at the scene, who both declined any further treatment.

Emy Lech Tran posted on a Wynnum community Facebook page about the accident and the crossing.

"Just.....ANOTHER accident at Lindum station crossing. Well, I have seen so many since I have moved in Wynnum 5 yrs ago and every time before election, so many politicians said 'hey we'll fix it', 'hey we already had THE MONEY' *shake hands* *take the photos* *post on FB page*," she said in the post.

"And it's have been 5...7...10 years....(hang on I lost counting here), till now nothing actually happened?! Seems like being in an accident at this crossing is just a normal daily routine?"

The latest call for action comes after ALP Councillor for Wynnum Manly Peter Cumming and Labor candidate for Doboy Jo Culshaw made an election promise to double the $40 million the LNP have already committed to a solution for the crossing, where an elderly lady died last in 2019.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta last year announced the Federal Government's commitment of $85 million for the dangerous intersection, which has been an issue for residents and commuters for more than a decade.

Community consultation for a fix for Lindum has already ended after being conducted by the State Government, who only committed $600,000 towards a feasibility study.

Ms Tran said how many accidents have to happen before something was finally done.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Residents wait 15 years for solution as level crossing fix still in study phase

Residents are fed up and politicians continue to be at loggerheads as a solution to one of Brisbane's deadliest level crossings is still at least six months away.

The State Government says the case study for an upgrade to Lindum level crossing on Brisbane's bayside could take until the end of the year to be finished.

The timeline comes after the Federal Government committed $85 million to a solution, and Brisbane City Council designated $40 million the project more than a year ago – when an elderly woman died after being hit by a train at the crossing.

The State Government committed just $600,000 of funding – which it has spent on the study. Community consultation was completed in February.

But if residents – who have waited 15 years for the dangerous intersection to be fixed – thought a solution was close, they're wrong.

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease said the study was expected to be completed towards the end of the year, after almost 300 people responded to surveys on the issue.

But local resident Bronwyn Brown, who also works in the area, said it was time all the talk was over.

"It's time to cut through the red tape and just get something done," she said.

"It's a bit frustrating that it seems to just get dragged along.

"The crossing is a serious issue and has been for a long time, I have colleagues who have had accidents there, it's very dangerous, especially during peak hour.

"All the residents know how serious an issue it is."

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said he did not think the Lindum upgrade was high enough on the State Government's priority list.

"I can't emphasis enough how urgent this project is for the safety of our community," he said.

"The Palaszczuk government needs to commit their share of funding to get this vital upgrade under way for the safety of motorists and the local community."

Ms Pease said issues brought up during the community consultation process included safety, driver behaviour, congestion and parking.

"In their responses, our community suggested things like changes to the road network around the station, more carparking and better facilities for pedestrians in the area," she said.

"That community feedback is now being used to inform the development of TMR's (Department of Transport and Main Roads) technical study, with a contractor to be appointed shortly.

"Some of the options that the study will consider include road network reconfiguration, grade separation, station upgrades and park 'n' ride upgrades."

Robert Dow, from rail advocacy group Rail Back on Track, believes all level crossing removals – including Lindum – should be expedited, following similar moves made by the Victorian Government in recent years.

For more information on Lindum level crossing and the State Government's study, visit tmr.qld.gov.au/lindumstudy.

[ozbob]

https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/tudge/media-release/positive-community-feedback-lindum-station-precinct-study

Media release

The Hon Alan Tudge MP
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure

Positive community feedback for Lindum Station Precinct Study

A safer level crossing, increased car parking and improved pedestrian and bike access are some of the top priorities identified by the Lindum Station Precinct Study.

Community feedback from the study's first stage will be analysed to guide how the project will take shape.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said local knowledge was crucial to ensure the best outcome was achieved for the Lindum Rail Crossing upgrade.

"We know this intersection is dangerous and the Morrison Government has prioritised this study so we can find solutions to fix it," Mr Tudge said.

"We will be looking at a range of options for the level crossing, including at-grade solutions or alternative locations."

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the consultation process included a digital approach with a survey and ideas wall, as well as face-to-face engagement with community and stakeholders.

"Lindum Station and its surrounds are a crucial part of the local community. That's why it's vital we prioritise the community as part of the study," Mr Bailey said.

"The importance of this study has been reflected in the community's feedback with nearly 7000 website views, almost 300 surveys completed and 180 ideas shared on the interactive wall.

"This study will allow us to consider the broader station area and identify opportunities for the precinct. If we get this right, it will serve as a catalyst for new local economic activity, which means more local jobs.

Both the Member for Lytton Joan Pease and I want to plan for a new community transport hub that safely caters for commuters, school children, business, bike riding and walking connections as well as local motor vehicle traffic."

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said community safety was his top priority, with the level crossing and five-ways intersection a nightmare for motorists during peak commuter times.

"Options to be explored to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians include grade separation, upgrading the existing level crossing and relocating the level crossing," Mr Vasta said.

"The project will also consider station and parking upgrades.

"These outcomes will inform all levels of government in relation to the next steps for the project, including progressing the project towards a business case."

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease said the community wanted a long term solution for better pedestrian safety, congestion and parking.

"During the initial consultation, our community suggested things like changes to the road network around the station, more car parking and better facilities for pedestrians in the area," Ms Pease said.

"That feedback is now being used to inform the development of a technical study which will determine the best way to deliver this improvements with as little disruption to the local village as possible."

The Lindum Station Precinct Study is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Government's both contributing $400,000.

The Australian Government has also committed $85 million to the construction of an upgrade to the Lindum Rail Crossing.

For further information including the summary report visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/lindumstudy

[timh]

Keeping the level crossing but just "upgrading" it or moving it is a cost-cutting cop out. We should be aiming to completely eliminate all level crossings going forward. I would hope that they should take this opportunity to do it once and do it properly. But we know how much our current govt likes to "half bake" projects....

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

WA SA Vic all pushing ahead hard with multiple LX removals. SEQ is rooted. Going to be a hell of a mess, CRR outcomes will be limited.

[Jonno]

WA SA Vic all pushing ahead hard with multiple LX removals. SEQ is rooted. Going to be a hell of a mess, CRR outcomes will be limited.

SEQ and QLD as a whole still full steam (pun intended) ahead on "busting" congestion by building more and more road capacity!!.  This is a key reason why the State is broke.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1274137556599205889

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2020/6/20/beams-road-bottleneck-fix-sees-the-light

Media Statements
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Beams Road bottleneck fix sees the light

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced $128 million to support a congestion-busting plan for Beams Road at Carseldine.

The Premier said the project would remove a notorious bottle-neck near the Carseldine train station.

"The local community and anyone who drives on Beams Road around Carseldine will have been caught at the bottleneck around the rail line," the Premier said.

"Every time that boom arm goes down at the Beams Road level crossing, that means more time for people waiting in traffic.

"Local MP Bart Mellish has been pushing to see funding locked in for his community, and with Brisbane City Council and Federal Government also committed to it, now is the time for all levels of government to get this project moving."

Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said the funding commitment was fantastic news for the local community.

"I've been pushing to fix the Beams Road Level Crossing since 2017, but as locals know this has been an issue for a generation" Mr Mellish said.

"The fact we now have a commitment from all three levels of government with dollars locked in budgets to get the job done is a tribute to the perseverance of the dedicated locals who continued making Beams Road a priority.

"I thank the Premier, Treasurer and Minister Bailey for listening to the community and backing us on Beams Road.

"This funding won't just finally deliver a fix for the level crossing, but it will cover a precinct-wide plan for more commuter parking and upgrades to the surrounding road network.

"There are also opportunities ahead to build new public spaces and upgrade the road network as part of Carseldine Urban Village, so this project will build on that and transform how are community connects."

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Palaszczuk Government would invest in strategic projects that demonstrate a clear benefit for the community.

"As we unite and recover from COVID-19, we want to make sure our investments will deliver for generations to come," the Treasurer said.

The Palaszczuk Government's $128 million investment in the Beams Road plan is supported by a $70 million commitment to the Beams Road upgrade from Brisbane City Council as outlined in their Budget this week and $50 million from the Federal Government.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said funding would deliver a precinct-wide transport plan.

"With funding committed in Brisbane City Council's budget and Federally, we have a solid commitment to upgrade roads, remove the rail level crossing and build more parking spaces at Carseldine train station," Mr Bailey said.

"The Palaszczuk Government's commitment will cover the majority of $248 million cost to deliver the Beams Road transport plan.

"Work on a business case for the level crossing removal will finish early next year, with construction to start later in 2021.

"We'll keep the community informed each step of the way and, while they will have to wait a bit longer, the wait will be worth it.

"The good news is we have already completed the design for the $15 million expanded park n ride at Carseldine station, and I expect early works to start by the end of the year."

For more information about the Beams Road project, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/B/Beams-Road-Carseldine-rail-level-crossing

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1274166732622422016

[timh]

Great news! As long as the design still allows for the future busway extension through there I'm happy

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[verbatim9]

How many level crossings to go if Sherwood, Lindum, Beams road, Carseldine and Coopers Plains are done?

[timh]

How many level crossings to go if Sherwood, Lindum, Beams road, Carseldine and Coopers Plains are done?

Is Sherwood on the cards? I hadn't heard anything about it being done

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

Sherwood is low priority relative to some others.


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

This table from that.  Telegraph Road and Robinson Road were done 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

[ozbob]

^

" ... It is proposed that there will be increased train service frequencies post Cross River Rail. For example, 5 minute services on the Gold Coast line during peaks. The impact of this frequency on level crossings will be profound. When one considers that the 4 most dangerous level crossings reported by the Couriermail are: Warrigal Rd in Fruitgrove, Old Beaudesert Rd in Salisbury, Trinder Crossing at Trinder Park, and Stones Rd in Sunnybank, are on the Gold Coast / Beenleigh line, a potential catastrophic situation awaits as frustrated motor vehicle drivers are tempted to race boom gates. When you take into account the Gold Coast services, the Beenleigh all station trains, and the counter-peak services, it is likely that the boom gates would be down for around 40 minutes at a minimum in the hour during peaks. Clearly unmanageable. ... "

[Andrew]

Great news! As long as the design still allows for the future busway extension through there I'm happy

The plan for the busway is it to skirt the bottom of the Carseldine Urban Precinct, go over the railway line and then parallel the railway line up to Telegraph Rd on the eastern side. I would assume they will be still preserving the corridor.

[Andrew]

I've been toying with the idea of a Ferny Grove Line upgrade that removes the railway crossings.  The hardest ones I think will be Newmarket and Grovelly.

Alderley could be an overpass with the problem being the resulting congestion during construction.

Gaythorne - Oxford Park (Prospect Rd, Osborne Rd, Blackwood St & Glenholm St) could be put onto an overpass.  Mitchelton Station could be rebuilt on a bridge with an small bus stop/interchange built underneath.  The line could rise after crossing Pickering St at Gaythorne and stay at height and then meet the crest of the grade just prior to Oxford Park. If you raised each track one at a time, you could achieve single line running with almost no reduction in service by putting crossovers at each end of the section.  It doesn't have to be a bridge the whole way and could be an embankment for most of it.

Grovely could be an overpass but the lack of room to the side of Dawson Rd might make resumptions inevitable.

Ferny Grove again could be an overpass

Newmarket.................  :conf

I think longer term, you might be able to head towards ATO trains (with a human attendant at the front like BART), maybe even with metro style carriages.

[verbatim9]

It's one of the fastest growing regions on Brisbane's northside. Now an extra $128 million will go towards reducing traffic congestion around Carseldine. http://7news.com.au #7NEWS

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1274256132387688448

[verbatim9]

I've been toying with the idea of a Ferny Grove Line upgrade that removes the railway crossings.  The hardest ones I think will be Newmarket and Grovelly.

Alderley could be an overpass with the problem being the resulting congestion during construction.

Gaythorne - Oxford Park (Prospect Rd, Osborne Rd, Blackwood St & Glenholm St) could be put onto an overpass.  Mitchelton Station could be rebuilt on a bridge with an small bus stop/interchange built underneath.  The line could rise after crossing Pickering St at Gaythorne and stay at height and then meet the crest of the grade just prior to Oxford Park. If you raised each track one at a time, you could achieve single line running with almost no reduction in service by putting crossovers at each end of the section.  It doesn't have to be a bridge the whole way and could be an embankment for most of it.

Grovely could be an overpass but the lack of room to the side of Dawson Rd might make resumptions inevitable.

Ferny Grove again could be an overpass

Newmarket.................  :conf

I think longer term, you might be able to head towards ATO trains (with a human attendant at the front like BART), maybe even with metro style carriages.

I was thinking that Springfield, Redcliffe and Airport lines could go fully automated first with just an attendant. They would only need to remove the Sherwood crossing after Beams road.

The money saved would then go towards making the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast's line automated then the other lines.

In regards to the Shorncliffe line, close the Banyo Station rail level crossing and create a new crossing off Guardhouse road (overpass) by extending that road and have it cross the rail to Royal Parade behind the new stabling facilities at Banyo.

[verbatim9]

The Rosewood line would be upgraded with Federal funds in conjunction with electrification to Helidon.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

22nd June 2020

Level crossing removals SEQ

Good morning,

Good news that serious planning has commenced for removal of the level crossing Beams Road Carseldine ( http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2020/6/20/beams-road-bottleneck-fix-sees-the-light ).  This is a level crossing that has long been advocated by RAIL Back On Track and others for removal.

Work is proceeding on the level crossing removal at Boundary Road Coopers Plains ( https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/B/Boundary-Road-Coopers-Plains-rail-level-crossing & https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/projects/ProjectDetails.aspx?Project_id=100977-18QLD-UCO ).

Lindum Station Precinct study is well underway and this may include level crossing removal or relocation ( https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/tudge/media-release/positive-community-feedback-lindum-station-precinct-study & https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/lindumstudy )

This is encouraging as no level crossing has been removed since 2014 in SEQ.  It is important that from here at least two or three a year are programmed for removal.

It is proposed that there will be increased train service frequencies post Cross River Rail. For example, 5 minute services on the Gold Coast line during peaks. The impact of this frequency on level crossings will be profound. When one considers that the 4 most dangerous level crossings reported by the Couriermail ( https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/nearmisses-at-level-crossings-increase-despite-campaign-urging-motorist-care/news-story/56fc9e23abd48d919a6725d618424b65 ) are: Warrigal Rd in Fruitgrove, Old Beaudesert Rd in Salisbury, Trinder Crossing at Trinder Park, and Stones Rd in Sunnybank, are on the Gold Coast / Beenleigh line, a potential catastrophic situation awaits as frustrated motor vehicle drivers are tempted to race boom gates. When you take into account the Gold Coast services, the Beenleigh all station trains, and the counter-peak services, it is likely that the boom gates would be down for around 40 minutes at a minimum in the hour during peaks. Clearly unmanageable.

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 to three open level crossings per financial year in SEQ. The Victorian Government has progressed the removal of level crossings at a rate not seen before. They have removed 35 level crossings in the last few years and plan to remove a total of 75 by 2025! Contrast this to Queensland which has not removed any. We suggest the Queensland Government set up an authority similar to the Level Crossing Removal Project in Victoria. They should also liaise with Victoria 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]

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