Level crossings and Grade separation - level crossing removal

[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]

Facebook ..

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1274732890379575296

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Plans to remove level crossing in Carseldine, Brisbane fully funded

Plans to remove another level crossing in Brisbane's suburbs have been backed by funding from all levels of government, with work to begin in 2021.

The Queensland state government will contribute $128 million to deliver the plans to remove the Beams Road level crossing near the Carseldine train station in Brisbane's north. The federal government is contributing $50m and the Brisbane City Council $70m.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that the plan would outline designs to reduce congestion and increase safety.

"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 said that the plan would also cover improvements to the station precinct and surrounding area.

"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."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that a business case for the level crossing removal will be completed early next year, with construction to start later in 2021.

"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," he said.

Designs for an expanded park n' ride at Carseldine station have already been finalised and work will begin on that project before the end of 2020, said Bailey.

The announcement of funding for Beams Road is in addition to level crossing removal projects at Boundary Road, in Coopers Plains, and Lindum.

Local rail advocacy group Rail Back on Track welcomed the news that these level crossing will go, however cautioned that with increases in frequency once the Cross River Rail project is complete, more crossings will have to go.

"A potential catastrophic situation awaits as frustrated motor vehicle drivers are tempted to race boom gates," said group administrator Robert Dow.

"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."

The group called for a commitment to remove two or three level crossings a year and the establishment of an authority similar to the Level Crossing Removal Project in Victoria.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1275129944599719937

[Gazza]

Rail Express --> Plans to remove level crossing in Carseldine, Brisbane fully funded

Plans to remove another level crossing in Brisbane's suburbs have been backed by funding from all levels of government, with work to begin in 2021.

The Queensland state government will contribute $128 million to deliver the plans to remove the Beams Road level crossing near the Carseldine train station in Brisbane's north. The federal government is contributing $50m and the Brisbane City Council $70m.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that the plan would outline designs to reduce congestion and increase safety.

"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 said that the plan would also cover improvements to the station precinct and surrounding area.

"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."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that a business case for the level crossing removal will be completed early next year, with construction to start later in 2021.

"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," he said.

Designs for an expanded park n' ride at Carseldine station have already been finalised and work will begin on that project before the end of 2020, said Bailey.

The announcement of funding for Beams Road is in addition to level crossing removal projects at Boundary Road, in Coopers Plains, and Lindum.

Local rail advocacy group Rail Back on Track welcomed the news that these level crossing will go, however cautioned that with increases in frequency once the Cross River Rail project is complete, more crossings will have to go.

"A potential catastrophic situation awaits as frustrated motor vehicle drivers are tempted to race boom gates," said group administrator Robert Dow.

"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."

The group called for a commitment to remove two or three level crossings a year and the establishment of an authority similar to the Level Crossing Removal Project in Victoria.

Finally.
Beams Rd is one of the easiest ones due to having empty land and a scrapyard on one side of the road, plus the nearest intersections are a long way back.

Is the price correct though?
$70m bcc, $50m feds, $128m state.....Surely an overpass is not costing $248m?!

[Paul B]

its always one step forward, two steps back with these decisions.
remove level crossing - tick
MORE? parking at carseldine - cross
I guess this is Brisbane's version of future-proofing

[Golliwog]

Brownfield is always going to be more expensive than greenfield.

I also would assume this is going to take in not just construction but the associated design works and business case development.

Do we actually know the full scope of what is being built? Road over or road under? Hasn't there been talk of a 'busway' heading north parallel to the railway - are they including a makeover to the bus interchange with the expansion of the park and ride?

[timh]

Brownfield is always going to be more expensive than greenfield.

I also would assume this is going to take in not just construction but the associated design works and business case development.

Do we actually know the full scope of what is being built? Road over or road under? Hasn't there been talk of a 'busway' heading north parallel to the railway - are they including a makeover to the bus interchange with the expansion of the park and ride?

My understanding is that cost includes the bridge construction, park and ride upgrade construction and associated studies and business cases and whatnot.

Regarding busway I believe they won't be building that now but will be accommodating the land for it in the design (hopefully)

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[Jonno]

Rail Express --> Plans to remove level crossing in Carseldine, Brisbane fully funded

Plans to remove another level crossing in Brisbane's suburbs have been backed by funding from all levels of government, with work to begin in 2021.

The Queensland state government will contribute $128 million to deliver the plans to remove the Beams Road level crossing near the Carseldine train station in Brisbane's north. The federal government is contributing $50m and the Brisbane City Council $70m.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that the plan would outline designs to reduce congestion and increase safety.

"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 said that the plan would also cover improvements to the station precinct and surrounding area.

"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."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that a business case for the level crossing removal will be completed early next year, with construction to start later in 2021.

"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," he said.

Designs for an expanded park n' ride at Carseldine station have already been finalised and work will begin on that project before the end of 2020, said Bailey.

The announcement of funding for Beams Road is in addition to level crossing removal projects at Boundary Road, in Coopers Plains, and Lindum.

Local rail advocacy group Rail Back on Track welcomed the news that these level crossing will go, however cautioned that with increases in frequency once the Cross River Rail project is complete, more crossings will have to go.

"A potential catastrophic situation awaits as frustrated motor vehicle drivers are tempted to race boom gates," said group administrator Robert Dow.

"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."

The group called for a commitment to remove two or three level crossings a year and the establishment of an authority similar to the Level Crossing Removal Project in Victoria.

Finally.
Beams Rd is one of the easiest ones due to having empty land and a scrapyard on one side of the road, plus the nearest intersections are a long way back.

Is the price correct though?
$70m bcc, $50m feds, $128m state.....Surely an overpass is not costing $248m?!

Seriously need to think outside the box (road overpass and car parking) and use that investment to create a more walkable/bikeable neighbourhood rather than a engineering monstrosity.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Four deathtrap level crossings on Beenleigh line 'must go' to prevent road gridlock from Cross River Rail

A transport advocacy group is calling for four 'death trap' level crossings to be removed on a busy passenger train line ahead of the planned Cross River Rail.

Brisbane-bound road traffic from Logan's emerging suburbs could face hefty peak-hour delays after Cross River Rail is built.

Transport advocacy group Rail Back on Track said road traffic from suburbs including Woodridge, Logan Gardens, Kingston and further north at Sunnybank, could be held up for 40 minutes every hour during peaks.

Spokesman Robert Dow said for Cross River Rail to work on both rail and road, the state needed to remove four of the southeast's most dangerous train level crossings, all on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines.

Mr Dow said after the new river link was built, Beenleigh line train services would be ramped up to every five minutes and the added train frequency would put pressure on the four "death trap crossings".

He singled out Trinder Park station for a potential "catastrophic" train and car collision.

The crossing, which links parallel roads metres from shops and the busy station carpark, is ranked as the state's third worst level crossing behind Warrigal Rd at Fruitgrove station, Old Beaudesert Rd at Salisbury, with Stones Rd in Sunnybank the fourth worst.

"Those extra train services on the Beenleigh line will be profound and possibly lead to a catastrophic crash or loss of lives," he said.

"Trains run in both directions at Trinder Park station and there is a danger impatient motorists will not wait for the boom gates to fully lift or for the flashing lights to stop.

"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 will be down for around 40 minutes at a minimum in the hour during peaks and that's clearly unmanageable.

"Motorists might see one train pass safely and then start going across the track not realising that there is another train coming from the other direction."

Last week, the state announced plans to remove level crossings at Beams Rd, Carseldine; Boundary Rd, Coopers Plains; and an investigation into the crossing at Lindum.

They will be the first crossings to be removed since 2014 on southeast lines, where there are 52 level crossings on the Queensland Rail Citytrain Network south of Caboolture.

The state government said removing the Coopers Plains crossing would cost upwards of $200 million.

Rail Back on Track and the state's peak motoring group, RACQ, welcomed the announcement but pushed for further upgrades at all level crossings with Mr Dow calling for at least two removals a year.

RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said the boom gate rules applied to motorists and cyclists and fines for breaches were $1,067 and four demerit points for obstructing a train.

"It doesn't matter if you're in a car, on a bike or on foot, everyone needs to be patient and wait for the train."

Last year, pedestrians and motorists had 127 "close calls" with trains at level crossings in the southeast, up from 120 in 2018.

The state government in Victoria has removed 35 level crossings in the past three years and plans to remove 75 by 2025.

[timh]

Great interview Bob!

[SurfRail]

Of the 3 crossings mentioned, you could close 3 overnight.  There is no compelling reason for the crossings at Trinder Park, Sunnybank or Salisbury to be grade-separated from what I can see, given the nearby alternatives available in each case.  Salisbury can be retained for emergency access and fenced off like the similar crossing they put in recently south of Bethania.  Bonemill St and Holmview station as well.

The grade separations should be Coopers Plains, Fruitgrove, Kuraby and Bethania - probably in that order.  If you combine these grade seps with the above 5 closures, that would only leave 2 LXs on the corridor from Varsity to CRR then on to Northgate - Nathan Rd at Runcorn station, and the one at Holmview Road.  Neither is busy, especially the latter which is only for access for a small number of properties.

[Gazza]

In many residential areas we could probably do the bargain type removals they have done in Perth:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Perth+WA/@-31.92901,115.8904273,222m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x2a32966cdb47733d:0x304f0b535df55d0!8m2!3d-31.9505269!4d115.8604572

For example if Trinder Park was closed and considered too far from the next crossing they could do one like the above at Acacia Rd.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Notorious Brisbane rail crossing to be upgraded

Motorists frustrated after decades of delays in fixing the Beams Rd rail level crossing at Carseldine can finally look forward to an upgrade early next year.

The State Government has announced it will contribute $128 million to the project, after the LNP Council last year promised $40 million and the Federal Government made an election commitment of $50 million.

It has been eight years since a damning Deloitte Access Economics report, compiled for the Department of Transport and Main Roads, found only one of six high-priority rail crossings it identified had been replaced.

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.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the project would ease traffic congestion and improve safety.

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

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

Labor MP for Aspley, Bart Mellish, has been pushing for funding for years, and last February ALP lord Mayoral candidate Pat Condren pledged $410 million to fix Brisbane level crossings, including at Beams Rd.

Cr Schrinner committed $40 million in October last year (now $70 million).

Mr Mellish said the State Government's announcement was "fantastic news''.

"I've been pushing to fix the Beams Rd Level Crossing since 2017, but as locals know this has been an issue for a generation," he 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 Rd a priority.

"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.''

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the project would include more parking spaces at Carseldine train station.

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

"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.''

A Planning Study for the level crossing had already begun and had identified three feasible options:

- widening of the existing level crossing to four lanes

- overpass (road over rail)

- overpass (rail over road)

[Jonno]

Interesting that the "study" has disappeared for a ....wait for it.... ugly over pass Melbourne are creating communities Brisbane still dividing them with road bridges!!!

TMR website has been his now

Funding:
In 2019, the Queensland Government committed over $6 million into planning and design to identify a preferred option to improve safety and decrease congestion at the Carseldine rail level crossing on Beams Road.

On 20 June 2020, the Queensland Government committed a further $128 million towards addressing safety and congestion at Beams Road. Construction of the $233 million level crossing overpass could commence as early as December 2021, subject to funding contributions from Brisbane City Council and the Australian Government.

Project info

An overpass on Beams Road will remove the level crossing, improving safety and congestion.

TMR is working with Brisbane City Council which is responsible for the local road network including Beams Road, and with Queensland Rail which is responsible for the rail corridor, throughout the study's delivery.

[Gazza]

What would you prefer? Skyrail?

[red dragin]

It has always going to end up being a road overpass, that's been known for 20 years. The location is too constrained to build much else, unless you SkyRail'ed it from back near Zillmere Station to well passed Carseldine to ease the two curves a bit.

[HappyTrainGuy]

The area is also a flood plain. The railway line stays bone dry while the car park floods, beams road floods, the car yard floods  and the future busway site floods Theres a reason why residential is far away or elevated quite high.... such as behind a massive earth bank

You would have also noted during the redevelopment works on the old QUT site next to the railway line they raised the ground level up ever so slightly to prevent flooding.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1292898686108721153

[Jonno]

It has always going to end up being a road overpass, that's been known for 20 years. The location is too constrained to build much else, unless you SkyRail'ed it from back near Zillmere Station to well passed Carseldine to ease the two curves a bit.

Would allow the community to be reconnected (noting flooding issues) rather than being cut into 4!

[Gazza]

It has always going to end up being a road overpass, that's been known for 20 years. The location is too constrained to build much else, unless you SkyRail'ed it from back near Zillmere Station to well passed Carseldine to ease the two curves a bit.

Would allow the community to be reconnected (noting flooding issues) rather than being cut into 4!

I don't know if its worth the extra money in this location?

[red dragin]

I don't know if its worth the extra money in this location?

Considering it's industrial, creek and sports fields on the western side between Zillmere Station and Beams Rd, there isn't much community to connect to the eastern side of the line.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2020/2020_08_13_DAILY.pdf

Private Members' Statements

Lindum Level Crossing; Cross River Rail

Ms PEASE (Lytton—ALP) (2.09 pm): I rise today to discuss the Lindum level crossing. This
crossing is a complex four-way intersection where local roads meet and cross three rail lines all at
Lindum station. Since I was elected in 2015, I have been campaigning for an upgrade to the site, so I
was thrilled that the Queensland and Australian governments agreed to a joint $800,000 Lindum
precinct study last year. This study is a strategic analysis considering the broader transport network
and precinct. It includes traffic and pedestrian movements, accessibility, bus interchange and rail
operations, active transport connections, park-and-ride facilities, and station upgrade and road network
planning proposals. Public consultation was undertaken between November 2019 and February 2020.

This study will map a way forward to ensure a safe and reliable transport system.
One of the outcomes of the study will hopefully be support for an upgrade of the existing Lindum
station with lifts and a more accessible platform which will go a long way to resolving pedestrian safety
concerns, as this is a key issue at the site, with sadly a pedestrian fatality occurring in February 2019.
Lindum station park and ride also needs further expansion, and the Palaszczuk government has already
committed $5 million to support additional parking.

I have always been clear that I want a common-sense community outcome, not some political fix
at Lindum station. I have asked the minister to ensure that the options developed will include a
low-impact option, as there is much local concern that an overpass will lead to property resumptions
and disruption to the local shopping village. I look forward to the options report and getting on with a
solution for the precinct.

The Labor Palaszczuk government backs public transport, backs Lindum and backs jobs as we
unite and recover from the current global economic challenges, with a record $23 billion investment for
roads and transport, supporting 21,500 jobs across our state. We are building the biggest infrastructure
project in Queensland—the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail, which is part of our economic recovery plan.
This will take thousands of cars off local roads, slash travel times and deliver more trains for our
community. It will also deliver jobs right now and is injecting $4 million into our economy every day.
Unfortunately, the LNP have been talking down Cross River Rail for years and they continue to do so
with this game-changing project.

We need a route that benefits the greatest number of passengers, ensuring that baysiders have
easy access to Cross River Rail. Labor backs jobs and we back commuters which is why we are
delivering record transport investment, creating jobs and solutions that benefit all baysiders and all
Queenslanders. I will always stand up for the bayside. I look forward to a common-sense community
outcome for Lindum station.

[HappyTrainGuy]

It has always going to end up being a road overpass, that's been known for 20 years. The location is too constrained to build much else, unless you SkyRail'ed it from back near Zillmere Station to well passed Carseldine to ease the two curves a bit.

Would allow the community to be reconnected (noting flooding issues) rather than being cut into 4!

There is no community to connect to. Unless they work at the government stationary supply facility, the timber storage area or a bus depot.

[Jonno]

It has always going to end up being a road overpass, that's been known for 20 years. The location is too constrained to build much else, unless you SkyRail'ed it from back near Zillmere Station to well passed Carseldine to ease the two curves a bit.

Would allow the community to be reconnected (noting flooding issues) rather than being cut into 4!

There is no community to connect to. Unless they work at the government stationary supply facility, the timber storage area or a bus depot.

A good transport plan needs a great land use plan!!

[red dragin]

A good transport plan needs a great land use plan!!

The south western side is an industrial estate, as well as some government services (stationery, PoliceLink & 13QGov call centres).
If you somehow had the funds to removal all of that (call centre building is only a few years old), you'd be re-aligning the railway and not bothering with the expense of the SkyRail.

[HappyTrainGuy]

It has always going to end up being a road overpass, that's been known for 20 years. The location is too constrained to build much else, unless you SkyRail'ed it from back near Zillmere Station to well passed Carseldine to ease the two curves a bit.

Would allow the community to be reconnected (noting flooding issues) rather than being cut into 4!

There is no community to connect to. Unless they work at the government stationary supply facility, the timber storage area or a bus depot.

A good transport plan needs a great land use plan!!

Flood plain. Suburbia. Relocate industrial land businesses. Relocate government services. Great land use plan to build more houses. All for what???

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2020/873-2020.pdf

Question on Notice

No. 873

Asked on 12 August 2020

MR S MINNIKIN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister advise when construction will commence on the $128m Beams Road overpass,
recently announced by the government?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Chatsworth for the question.

In 2019, the Queensland Government committed over $6 million into planning and design to
identify a preferred option to improve safety and decrease congestion at the Carseldine rail level
crossing on Beams Road.

On 20 June 2020, the Queensland Government committed a further $128 million towards a
precinct plan for improving safety and reducing traffic delays at Beams Road caused by the rail
level crossing, as well as addressing the growing demand for parking at the Carseldine station.
As I said publicly on 20 June 2020 when the Palaszczuk Government announced a funding
commitment to the project, work on a business case for the level crossing removal will finish early
next year, with construction to start later in 2021. The Member can view a copy of my statement
at https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/90067.

As is standard practice for jointly funded projects, this is subject to the agreement of the other
funding partners—Brisbane City Council and the Australian Government—following completion
of the business case.

Work on the Carseldine park and ride is already underway and the project is on track.
During the period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2019 (financial years 2015–16 to 2018–19), the
Palaszczuk Government delivered approximately $2.1 billion of transport and roads infrastructure
investment specifically in the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Metropolitan
region. This includes investment in key projects such as:

• Gateway Motorway North upgrade, completed 2019

• Murarrie train station Park 'n' Ride upgrade, completed 2019

• Queen Street Bus Station upgrade, completed 2018

• North Brisbane Bikeway (Stage 1), completed 2016.

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2019–20 to 2022–23 (QTRIP)
represents a record investment in road and transport infrastructure for the fourth year in a row,
with $23 billion committed over the next four years, supporting an average of approximately
21,500 direct jobs over the life of the program. Approximately $3.28 billion is committed across
TMR's Metropolitan region, supporting an estimated average of 3000 direct jobs over the life of
the program.

Some key projects for TMR's Metropolitan region in QTRIP are:

• Ipswich Motorway (Rocklea to Darra) Stage 1, total cost of $400 million (jointly funded by
the Australian and Queensland governments)

• Centenary Motorway – Sumners Road Interchange Upgrade, total cost of $80 million

• Everton Park Link Road, total cost of $31 million, currently under construction

• Strathpine Road and Gympie Arterial Road Interchange, total cost of $30 million (jointly
funded by the Australian and Queensland governments).

[Gazza]

Looks like Lindum isn't getting it removed, they are spending $80m to upgrade the LX 

[kram0]

How do you spend $80m and not remove....? 

[timh]

In 2020 we shouldn't be spending ANY money on """"""upgrading"""" a level crossing. The only way to upgrade it is to remove it.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Lindum Crossing upgrade news: State tips in $40m, project funded

UPDATE 1PM: Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta has said a $40 million commitment by the State Government towards Brisbane bayside's notorious Lindum Station crossing fails to address dire safety concerns.

He noted that because the funding is subject to "state-wide prioritisation and funding availability", it may happen on the never-never.

"Pedestrians, motorists and commuters had been crying out for major improvements to the

dangerous level-crossing and five-way intersection and again they miss out," Mr Vasta said.

EARLIER 7AM: The State Government has committed $40 million towards fixing the notorious Lindum Station level crossing on Brisbane's bayside where an elderly woman died in February 2019 after being hit by a train.

It comes as the Department of Transport and Main Roads released new information identified by its joint Lindum Station Precinct Study with the Federal Government about what can be done to fix the notorious crossing.

According to a just-released brochure on the study, short and medium-term solutions include placing traffic lights at the intersections of Lindum Rd / North Rd and Kianawah Rd / Sibley Rd, improving the bicycle and pedestrian crossing from Lindum Rd, upgrading the station by lifting the platforms and installing a commuter overpass across the platforms with lifts for all-abilities access, and expanding the Park 'n' Ride facility.

Constructing a new vehicular/ active transport overpass to bypass the track altogether, however, remains a "long-term solution" and the brochure contained a warning about what that would likely entail.

"Delivery of long-term solutions (i.e. an overpass) would likely result in significant private property impacts," TMR said.

In terms of next steps, TMR said the "potential solutions for the precinct will now undergo detailed pre-investment planning to confirm design requirements."

"Detailed planning and design of long-term solutions will be subject to future growth, state-wide prioritisation and funding availability," it said.

The State Government's funding announcement was precipitated by a thunderous statement from Federal MP for Bonner Ross Vasta, who accused the State Goverment of breaking an election promise, both in failing to commit money to the upgrade and also failing to deliver a $5 million promise of 70 extra carparks at the station, which Lytton MP Joan Pease touted on her Facebook all the way back in November 2017.

Speaking to the Courier Mail, Ms Pease denied it was disingenuous announcing the funding nearly three years ago despite knowing it wouldn't be delivered until it was integrated into the overall precinct plan.

Ms Pease said she was disappointed Mr Vasta "jumped the gun" in attacking the State Government and that she thought all levels of government were "working together".

The Federal Government under the Urban Congestion Fund has already made $85 million available for a future fix to the Lindum Station Precinct, while Brisbane City Council has tipped in $40 million.

[ozbob]

DTMR

Lindum Station Precinct Study

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/Lindum-Station-Precinct-Study

> Lindum Study Brochure—September 2020 (PDF, 0.7 MB)

>> More information on potential solutions (PDF, 1.1 MB)

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Coopers Plains level crossing fix: State comes to party with $66m

A notorious level crossing on Brisbane's southside once ranked as fifth-worst in the state and at which the local councillor says commuters regularly endure 15 – 20 minute waits will finally get an overpass after the State Government committed $66 million to the project.

Coopers Plains level crossing near the intersection of Boundary Rd and Orange Grove Rd has been a political football for decades, but massive steps were taken last year with Brisbane City Council pledging $40 million to the fix and the Federal Government tipping in $73 million.

The announcement comes just in the nick of time as Cross River Rail forges ahead, with Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow previously stating Beenleigh line services would be ramped up to every five minutes with commuter delays of up to 40 minutes.

A business case on the Boundary Rd level crossing is due for completion in mid-2021, according to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey..

Mr Bailey said the business case will "give us the final cost for (the) project" and was confident that work would commence during the next term of government, if Labor is re-elected.

He said this is the "first time" all three levels of government has come together with sizeable commitments on the Boundary Rd level crossing.

Coopers Plains Overpass Action Group spokeswoman Annamarie Newton, the owner of a local hospitality business, said she was "stoked" with the commitment after five hard years of campaigning.

"At different times of the year, I've had to go through this crossing up to eight times a day," she said.

"If you're local, if you're a businessperson, if you live in the area, this has been on the books for 30-plus years.

"I'm rapt to see this going forward. Hopefully within this next term we will get it built."

Moorooka Councillor Steve Griffiths has previously told the Courier Mail commuters were sometimes waiting up to 15 – 20 minutes at the crossing.

Member for Toohey Peter Russo said removing the Boundary Rd level crossing was the number one traffic issue locals raised in his community.

"Our government pushed the Boundary Rd project forward by doing the planning and getting the Federal Government to commit funding for it," he said.

"Today's $66 million commitment from the State Government means we're closer to seeing work start to finally get rid of the level crossing."

The announcement completes a trifecta of level crossing announcements across the city between all three levels of governments, with $233 million towards an overpass at Beams Rd, Carseldine and $165 million towards the Lindum level crossing at Wynnum West, which in the medium-term will likely only involve traffic lights.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1318424930598309898

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane City Council takes aim at government over bayside rail crossing

Brisbane City Council has blasted the state government over its failure to fund a dangerous open-level rail crossing upgrade which has proven fatal as recently as last year.

Lindum Train Station is at the intersection of Sibley and Kianawah roads at Wynnum West.

Council infrastructure committee chairman David McLachlan said the Queensland government will make changes to Lindum Rail Station at a cost of $40 million, but not repair the open-level crossing. ....

Under the present plan the LX will remain.  It is just a planned upgrade to the station precinct.  Although better than nothing, it is still a classic half baked Queenslander approach.

I haven't found any new money in the 2020-21 Budget for LX removal.  They are going to have  huge problem in the years to come running the proposed frequencies post CRR.

Really is a sad joke ...

Victoria has now removed 43 LXs out of a planned 75 by 2025 since 2015.

Queensland has removed ZERO

====

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1333783239895310340

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Level crossing removal stagnates in Queensland

2nd December 2020

We welcome the commitments to rail in the State Budget 2020-21.  We note though there is no funding in the budget for more level crossing removals.
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 43 level crossings and is working towards removing a total of 75 by 2025 (1).

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 43 level crossings (1) 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.

We agree with Brisbane City Council that the failure to not grade separate rail and road at Lindum is not satisfactory (2).

It is also 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 (3) 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.

We are looking for a real committment by Government and the Opposition to accelerating the removal of level crossings. There is strong community support (4).

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

References:

1. Level Crossing Removal Project https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

2. Brisbane City Council takes aim at government over bayside rail crossing
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/brisbane-city-council-takes-aim-at-government-over-bayside-rail-crossing-20201201-p56joy.html

3. 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?fbclid=IwAR2VLYyxAsuxaOYMSm6sYbJBq3Bqe5MtKW4iCiJ4JSUJ2xANWvcywLx-tnY

4. 28th April 2019: Which level crossings would you like to see removed in SEQ?
https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/258514000816683

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Level crossing removal stagnates in Queensland 2nd December 2020 We welcome the commitments to rail in the State...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Tuesday, 1 December 2020

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1333840361555255296