Indooroopilly Station Upgrade

[ozbob]

Indooroopilly station upgrade - effective 12 November 2007

http://www.translink.com.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/sc_qr_indooroopilly_nov07

Monday, 12 November 2007 to December 2008
operator    QR Citytrain
region    Brisbane West
stations affected    Indooroopilly station
Milton station
Auchenflower station
Toowong station
Taringa station

QR and TransLink will be upgrading Indooroopilly station. The upgrade will provide customers with easier access and usability, as well as improving the overall look of the station. All services are expected to run to timetable throughout the project or with minor changes.

platform closures    

    * 12 November 2007 - early January 2008
      platforms 3 and 4 will be closed - all trains will depart from platforms 1 and 2 during this time

    * early January - mid May 2008
      platforms 1 and 2 will be closed - all trains will depart from platforms 3 and 4 during this time

    * mid May - early November 2008
      platforms 3 and 4 will again be closed - all trains will depart from platforms 1 and 2

    * December 2008
      project completion

For timetable changes PDF click here!

QR Citytrain Indooroopilly Station Information --> http://www.citytrain.com.au/indooroopilly/faq.asp

[jgabris]

While the upgrade to the Indooroopilly railway station will be a positive development, and is certainly needed, there does not appear to be any attempt to improve the integration of the bus and rail systems.

http://www.citytrain.com.au/indooroopilly/

Currently, there is a considerable distance between the railway station and the main bus hub, located in a major shopping centre at the top of a hill.  The western suburbs, and Brisbane as a whole, could be better served by public transport if the buses were used to bring commuters to the rail system, which, with an increased frequency of service, would provide the better option for transporting most people into the city.  The distance and the standard of the pedestrian access between these stations is a disincentive for people to use this option.

Perhaps moving the bus hub onto or closer to the railway station is not possible; it would be harder to justify after the completion of the year-long redevelopment process.  If so, I believe that commuters could, at least, be better served by improved paving between the stations.

John

[ozbob]

Yes John for sure.

There is a plan to run buses into Indooroopilly, Taringa and Toowong stations during the Hale St Link construction chaos starting soon.  We have written to the project about congestion concerns on the Ipswich line (see --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=292.0 ). 

Your comment is something that would be very worthwhile to follow up too.

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

The main down seems to be closed through Indooroopilly now.  Noticed a red board near Graceville.

This might make for some interesting running of freight trains down on the main up and some via South Brisbane.

[ozbob]

Early work down end platforms 3 and 4 Indooroopilly station.



Photograph: R Dow  22 Nov 2007

[ozbob]

Noticed that platform 1 and 2 now closed to allow works to proceed, all trains now on the main down and up.

Platforms 3 and 4 open.

[ozbob]

Photograph from platform 3/4 Indooroopilly station showing the concrete pillars at the down end in place, and work proceeding on platforms 1/2 in preparation for the concrete pillars to provide the support for the overhead structures.



Photograph: R Dow 17 Jan 2008

[ozbob]

As at 23 January 2008
From http://www.citytrain.com.au/indooroopilly/updates.asp

Progress of works as at 23 January 2008

Recent works include:

    * On 07 January, platforms 1 & 2 were closed to passenger trains
    * Commencement of foundation works for columns to construct the stairs, lift shaft and concourse on the north end of platforms 1 & 2
    * Demolition on platforms 1 & 2 commenced
    * Ticket office commissioned
    * Column foundations were poured on the corner of Westminster Road bridge and Coonan Street
    * Foundations laid for the columns to construct the lift shaft at Railway Avenue

[ozbob]

Earlier this week I noticed a notice in the paper re closure of platforms 3 and 4 tomorrow Feb 17, with buses from Chelmer <-> Indooroopilly <-> Taringa  (trains still running through).  Platforms 1 and 2 been closed for some time and works proceeding well.  Just checked Translink and Citytrain web sites no mention, maybe has been cancelled?

Trains have had 10 km/h speed restriction during the day on platforms 3 and 4 for safety.  Lot of people on a narrow platform, with a number of station staff present to assist.



Rang QR trains running normally tomorrow was the advice received. 

[ozbob]

Crikey, I was just down at Darra Station and as the down train arrived this was the announcement

Caboolture, running express Chelmer to Taringa!!     

Talk about Artha not knowing what Martha is doing .....

No announcements on Translink or QR Citytrain web sites.
Phone advice from QR yesterday was trains stopping at Indooroopilly today. 

[mufreight]

Pity the platforms have not been raised to make for easier entry to and from trains.  Easier entry means shorter station dwell times.  Ever tried to board a tarain with a couple of kids and a pram or if you have a few years up with a walker.

[ozbob]

Stopped off at Indooroopilly on the way home.

All buildings removed from platforms 1 and 2



Photograph R Dow 19 Feb 2008


Form work for lifts etc. eastern end platforms 1 and 2



Photograph R Dow 19 Feb 2008


Down train platform 4



Photograph R Dow 19 Feb 2008

[Huggies]

Pity the platforms have not been raised to make for easier entry to and from trains.  Easier entry means shorter station dwell times.  Ever tried to board a tarain with a couple of kids and a pram or if you have a few years up with a walker.

I think the use of 2800 Class DEL's may prevent this from happening.

[mufreight]

The use of the 2800 class locos should make no difference, they operate through other platforms that are at carriage floor height.

Surely it would be both safer and preferable to have the platform height of any station that is upgraded raised to the same height as the carriage floors.

At the present time the external extension of the carriage floor at the doorways overlaps the platform edge by better than 50mm.

Were the platform coping (platform edge) to be moved back by some 150mm then leaving a gap a horosontal gap of  less than 100mm and with the platform height raised to within 50mm of the carriage floor level that would be both safer and preferable to the existing 225mm+ vertical step that presently exists.

There should then be no potential clearance problems either with 2800,4000 or 4100 class locos or with carriage heights which because of the air suspension bogies should maintain a static carriage floor height regardless of their state of load.

Less spin to justify doing nothing, more factual information and some concrete and practical work on these sort of points would be a big help in creating better public relations between QR and its customers and would also create a safer and more efficent and passanger friendly rail commuter system.

[ozbob]

Works proceeding ...

Up train



Photograph R Dow 13 Mar 2008


Up suburban line - closed while work proceeds on platforms 1 and 2



Photograph R Dow 13 Mar 2008


Overhead structure support well advanced.



Photograph R Dow 13 Mar 2008

[mufreight]

The Photos of trains at platforms 4 and 3 taken by Rob Dow and posted in this thread quite clearly show the disparity in height between platform and carriage entry.

As a safety issue alone why is this problen not being addresed and rectified in these reconstructions.  Obviously something that is beyond the organisational ability and inteligence of the administration of this perhaps not so smart state.

A good question for you as a concerned commuter or interested individual to ask of QR Management, Translinks disfunctional maladministration, Transport Minister Mickel, Premier Bligh and your local member on the basis of the safety issue alone

Works proceeding ...

Up train



Photograph R Dow 13 Mar 2008

Down train platform 4



Photograph R Dow 19 Feb 2008

[ozbob]

26 Mar 2008 - work proceeding at a rapid rate.

SMU201 Arriving platform 3 with a Redbank Service



Photograph R Dow 26 Mar 2008

Down end platform 1 side



Photograph R Dow 26 Mar 2008


Up end platform 1 side



Photograph R Dow 26 Mar 2008


Looking towards up platform 2



Photograph R Dow 26 Mar 2008


The temporary ticket office at Indooroopilly, near entrance platform 1 side



Photograph R Dow 26 Mar 2008


Stair supports taking shape down end platforms 1 and 2



Photograph R Dow 26 Mar 2008

[ozbob]

The steps now down to ground level.



Photograph R Dow 29 March 2008

[mufreight]

From a close look at the latest photo it would appear that there is quite a disparity in the height of the brackets for the lowest tread of the steps and the platform level.
Has common sense and logic prevailed and is the height of platforms 1 & 2 now going to be raised for a level entry into the carriages?
We can but hope.
Cheers.

[ButFli]

From a close look at the latest photo it would appear that there is quite a disparity in the height of the brackets for the lowest tread of the steps and the platform level.
Has common sense and logic prevailed and is the height of platforms 1 & 2 now going to be raised for a level entry into the carriages?
We can but hope.
Cheers.

No not at all. After reading your post I had a good look at the partially constructed stairs on my way to work yesterday and this morning. The photo is deceiving. The stair frame enters the ground in a hole that is a good 20cm deeper than the surrounding dirt and that dirt is in turn about 10cm lower than the remaining platform coping. So the bottom stair bracket will actually end up being pretty much level with the completed platform.

Platform height was never a big issue on on the two platforms under reconstruction. Platform 4 is where the biggest problem and that is mainly due to the cambre of the track.

[ozbob]

Work proceeding at a rapid rate.

Overhead support framework well advanced platforms 1 and 2.



Photograph R Dow 7 April 2008

[ozbob]

I noticed maintenance work being done the up and down suburban lines between Roma St and Indooroopilly during the day. I don't know if they are working overnight.  Track maintenance vehicles noted on the sub down today just out of Indooroopilly (down).

Wooden sleepers being replaced with concrete ones, and general track work by the look of things.  Good to see the window of opportunity that has been presented being taken advantage of.

The platform canopy structure on platforms 1 and 2 is now well advanced, and the platform is nearly ready for final surfacing by the look of it.

Cheers
Ozbob

[ButFli]

They are continuing to work into the night on both the track maintenance and the station upgrade. I've been through a few times after dark and they have the lights out and don't look like they are ready to finish early.

[ozbob]

Steps to platforms 1 and 2 taking shape



Photograph R Dow 4 May 2008


General view of platforms 1 and 2 with final surfacing completed about half of the platform.



Photograph R Dow 4 May 2008

[ozbob]

Some more photographs 

Platform 1 and 2 - general view



Photograph R Dow 9 May 2008


Up train arriving platform 3 -  Lift structures now seen



Photograph R Dow 9 May 2008


Lift structures rising high!



Photograph R Dow 9 May 2008



Construction zone!



Photograph R Dow 9 May 2008


Up train leaving Indooroopilly - temporary platform structure on platforms 3 and 4



Photograph R Dow 9 May 2008

[pb75]

Hi all,

In a previous life, I worked for an external (to QR) company involved in the design of the new station at Indooroopilly and was actively involved in this project. It is wonderful to see this everything evolving just as planned, so keep the photos rolling along!

Platforms 3 & 4 always posed a problem with falls (particularly with DDA compliance) and as such major re-levelling should occur when platforms 1 & 2 re-open for business. That, of course, will be once the new overhead ticket office is complete and functional.

There were even plans last year to lower the Up & Down Main Lines to help ease the distance between platform and carriage; apparently there are difficulties in manipulating the cant in the track at this location. Time will tell...

One other problem that seemed to be dismissed was the ingress of water into the existing pedestrian subway in wet weather. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the majority of this water (which can be more than ankle deep quite quickly during a downpour!) was coming from the track bed itself between the Up Main and the Down Suburban tracks. QR's immediate solution to the problem was to upgrade a generator to supply power to a pump to pump the water away - doesn't prevent the problem in the first place and keep the commuters feet dry!! I hear along the grapevine that this problem may be back on the agenda...again, time will tell.

Cheers!

[mufreight]

The wet feet problem is easily solved, a reasonable sized sump and float level actuated pump together with some grouting of the ground surrounding the subway which would restrict the ingress of water.
As for platform height the problem is easily solved, raise the platform levels a 100mm gap poses less of a safety risk than the existing vertical step of in some places of almost 360mm with a gap under the carriage step wide enough for a todler to fall through.
Even a horrizontal gap between the platform coping and the carriage step of 150mm in nessecary for operating clearances would be considerably safer than the existing setup and station dwell time would be reduced with platforms at carriage floor height,
From an older persons point of view it has been a waste of money to make access to the the platforms better for the oldies and mothers with small children if they then can not board the trains without considerable risk of physical injury.
A factor that should be given consideration in the reconstructions of all stations. subways and ramps are a better answer than stairs and overbridges.
One day most of us will have kids or get old.

[ozbob]

Welcome PB75!

I think the finished job at Indooroopilly will be great!

Glad to read the platform height is on the agenda.
I had a good look at the centre elevations at the new Brunswick St station yesterday (platforms 3 and 4) that may be possible at Indooroopilly as well although a complete fix would be preferable.

Oxley station subway has some water problems as well, but with the droughts of late seems to faded from folks memories 

Cheers
Ozbob

[pb75]

Hmmmm...
I think the water problem at Indro is a little more complex than that.
The current set-up is nothing more than a quick fix - the water at present drains by gravity to an existing sump with an existing float-activated pump. The problem was that, every time it rained, the electrical connection to the pump become flooded, thereby cutting power to the pump. No pump and the water level gets higher...
The ingress of water from the track bed itself seems to be piped directly through the subway wall and permitted to discharge directly over a "spoon drain" (about 10mm deep on average!). One rainy day that I was there, I witnessed a steady stream of water spilling out over the entire width of the subway passage.
Originally, QR were *very* hesitatant to spend *any* $$ in the subway at all, but it seems that somebody has since woken up to the problem and perhaps a better solution may be funded as part of this project...
Cheers!

[ozbob]

Platforms 1 and 2 are scheduled to be brought into service from Monday morning 26 May 2008.  Platforms 3 and 4 then closed.

A lot of last minute preparations today, and presumably over the weekend to have  'serviceable' platforms for Monday.  Subway access only, overhead structures and lifts still a long way from completion.

Darra Service arriving at Indooroopilly



Photograph R Dow 23 May 2008


Down view platforms 3 and 4



Photograph R Dow 23 May 2008


Platform 2 taking shape



Photograph R Dow 23 May 2008


Overhead structures down end



Photograph R Dow 23 May 2008


Design of station awning



Photograph R Dow 23 May 2008

[ButFli]

From my observation on Friday night, all that needs to be done on the "new" platforms to make them usable is to clear away scaffolding and sweep up all the scraps.

I personally am not too keen on the colour scheme. I much prefer the maroon colours of Roma Street. I am still looking forward to using the new platform on Monday.

[ButFli]

I tell you what, the new platforms are absolutely smashing. It sure is wide and bright!

It's a smooth ride on the recently re-sleepered suburban line, too.

[ozbob]

Thanks for the reports ButFli.

I went through the new platform 2 Indooroopilly on the 6.54am Shorncliffe service from Oxley this morning.  Looks good.
Hope to get out later this afternoon for a quick look around.

[ozbob]

Checked out platforms 1 and 2 at Indooroopilly on the way home late this afternoon.

Some photographs in fading light.

IMU 173 departing Platform 1 on Redbank service



Photograph R Dow 26 May 2008



Temporary station signs



Photograph R Dow 26 May 2008



Looking in an up direction



Photograph R Dow 26 May 2008





Photograph R Dow 26 May 2008



Refurbished subway entrance and stairs



Photograph R Dow 26 May 2008



Looking in a down direction



Photograph R Dow 26 May 2008




Photograph R Dow 26 May 2008



Looking across to platforms 3 and 4, temporary structures removed already



Photograph R Dow 26 May 2008



Departure for home ...



Photograph R Dow 26 May 2008

[ozbob]

Station Sign



Photographs R Dow 2 June 2008

[ozbob]

Work has been proceeding steadily on platforms 3 and 4.
Some photographs in the rain today 24th July 2008


Looking across to platform 3 and 4 from platform 2.






Lift structure at the down end of platforms 3 and 4.




Stairs taking shape platforms 3 and 4.




Stairs to gain entry to the station from the southern side.
View from platform 1 down end.



Photographs R Dow 24 July 2008

[Mozz]

Good work Bob - forum members appreciate the effort you put in to provide pictorial updates.

[ozbob]

The subway is now closed to access platforms 1 and 2 for up to 8 weeks or so.

Access via the new overhead stairs.

Had quick look this morning, all seems fine.  Some punters will need to add an extra minute or so to go up and over.

[ozbob]

From Westside News click here!

Lives on the line

Lives on the line

MORE than 4000 students will risk their lives every day to access Indooroopilly train station because Queensland Rail has closed a subway for eight weeks.

St Peter?s Lutheran College community relations manager Ron Lyons criticised the closure, saying students would be forced to cross busy Station Rd for the duration of refurbishment work.

But Queensland Rail defended the closure, saying students could instead use a new concourse on Westminster Avenue to access platforms 1 and 2.
However Mr Lyons called for a sign at the corner of Lambert and Clarence streets to warn of the upgrade.

"There will be hoardes of kids on footpaths using iPods - they won?t be taking much notice of the traffic around them,?? Mr Lyons said.

"The volume of kids this affects is an issue. Where Station Rd joins Coonan St, there is no traffic lights,?? he said.

"This is a multiple school zone with more than 4000 kids trying to cross the road throughout the day.??

Mr Lyons urged drivers and students to be vigilant while the station was upgraded.

The refurbished subway will have new flooring, drainage, tiling, ceiling and better lighting.

QR passenger executive general manager Paul Scurrah said Lambert Rd would be accessible only to local traffic.

"The current drop-off zone in Lambert Rd for vehicles unloading passengers will become a no access area during the subway closure. An alternative drop off zone has been provided for passengers in Railway Ave,?? he said

"QR has consulted local businesses, residents and schools about the upgrade of the subway at Indooroopilly station.

"The subway is being upgraded according to feedback we have received from customers."

He said students could access the station via the new concourse on Westminster Rd, and traffic control officers would be present on surrounding streets.

For more information on the station upgrade phone 1800 643 443 or email projects@qr.com.au

[ButFli]

I'd be interested to know why the closure of the subway will force students from St Peter's Lutheran College to cross Station Rd. I can't work it out for the life of me.

The new station looks good though. It would have been nice if they finished the stairs down to Railway Ave before they closed the subway but oh well.