Landsborough to Nambour upgrade

[stephenk]

Not too sure if I should post this here, or in the infrastructure forum. Apologies if this has already been posted.

Anyway, here is the link to the Environmental Assessment for the Landsborough to Nambour upgrade which includes straighter alignments, duplication, and freight loop(s).

http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/resources/project/landsborough-nambour/executive-summary.pdf

Interestingly the Nambour to Landsborough section has already been re-aligned once before in the 1930s.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard
Questions without notice 5th October 2010
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/legislativeAssembly/hansard.asp?SubArea=latest

Nambour-Landsborough Rail Line

Nambour-Landsborough Rail Line

Mr WELLINGTON: My question is to the Minister for Transport. With respect to the current
indicative date for the construction of the additional railway line linking Nambour to Landsborough being
still 15 to 20 years away, I ask: what can the Minister for Transport do to bring forward the indicative
construction date of this important railway line?

Ms NOLAN: I thank the honourable member for Nicklin for the question. Before answering it, I
want to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of the member for Yeerongpilly's father, David Finn,
and his partner, Ann.

In relation to the question, the Labor government has preserved a corridor in order to further
duplicate the line. Last year at Easter time we finished the first stage of this project, with the
straightening and duplication of the line from Caboolture to Beerburrum. We have now preserved the
corridor to run from Beerburrum further up to Nambour, so that corridor is there. As the member for
Nicklin rightly indicates, the project is currently indicated to be undertaken between 2026 and 2031
through the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program.

To cut to the member's question, though, about what this government can do to build that project
sooner, the answer quite simply is that we can follow through on our economic strategy. Unlike
members opposite, this government has a clear economic strategy that is allowing us to improve the
state's finances so that we can build infrastructure for now and for the future.

This is a government that has made tough decisions and that has the runs on the board around
infrastructure delivery. In that regard, we stand in stark contrast to members opposite, who front up here
a year and a half after we announced this economic strategy with no particular cogent position on asset
sales but over and over again indicating to the House that they can somehow build more infrastructure
more quickly. What all members know is that this state needs infrastructure, like the public transport
infrastructure to which the member refers, and that to deliver it there has to be a clear economic
strategy. We the Labor government are the only side of the House that can present such a plan to the
people of Queensland.

So I can say to the member, yes, this project is a priority. That is why we have built the first stage
of it and that is why we have preserved a corridor so that the second stage is ready.

Mr Lucas: With lukewarm support from the member for Maroochydore.

Ms NOLAN: That is right. We have also bought out a number of the properties, through our
generous hardship provisions, so that people are able to move on with their lives. We are the side of
politics that has an economic

[colinw]

Thanks for posting that. What a pathetic non-answer to a perfectly legitimate question, shows what the real priorities of our elected representatives are. Why give a straight answer to a question that is of interest to the poorly served residents of Nambour and the Sunshine Coast, when you can use it as a platform to bag your opponents?

Saying "we've resumed the corridor" is no more meaningful than Joh Bjelke-Petersen resuming the Kippa-Ring corridor was in the early '80s.

Come on Ms Nolan, you can do better than that.  

I reckon the Courier-Mail should print a page or two of this stuff every week to show the uncensored version what our parliament gets up to.

[WTN]

I really want to see this built! Or at least some work resumed.

[Fridge]

The duplication between Caboolyure and Beerburrum has been completed but the timetable has not been changed, it's been 18months, they might as well be still constructing it because we have not received the benefit of it yet.

[Fridge]

Anyway....

After the 'all lines' CRG I was informed that a consultation activity for the Ipswich, Caboolture and Sunshine Coast Timetables will occur during November with staffed displays at key stations..

[Fares_Fair]

Queensland Parliament Hansard
Questions without notice 5th October 2010
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/legislativeAssembly/hansard.asp?SubArea=latest

Nambour-Landsborough Rail Line

Nambour-Landsborough Rail Line

Mr WELLINGTON: My question is to the Minister for Transport. With respect to the current
indicative date for the construction of the additional railway line linking Nambour to Landsborough being
still 15 to 20 years away, I ask: what can the Minister for Transport do to bring forward the indicative
construction date of this important railway line?

Ms NOLAN: I thank the honourable member for Nicklin for the question. Before answering it, I
want to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of the member for Yeerongpilly's father, David Finn,
and his partner, Ann.

In relation to the question, the Labor government has preserved a corridor in order to further
duplicate the line. Last year at Easter time we finished the first stage of this project, with the
straightening and duplication of the line from Caboolture to Beerburrum. We have now preserved the
corridor to run from Beerburrum further up to Nambour, so that corridor is there. As the member for
Nicklin rightly indicates, the project is currently indicated to be undertaken between 2026 and 2031
through the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program.

To cut to the member's question, though, about what this government can do to build that project
sooner, the answer quite simply is that we can follow through on our economic strategy. Unlike
members opposite, this government has a clear economic strategy that is allowing us to improve the
state's finances so that we can build infrastructure for now and for the future.

This is a government that has made tough decisions and that has the runs on the board around
infrastructure delivery. In that regard, we stand in stark contrast to members opposite, who front up here
a year and a half after we announced this economic strategy with no particular cogent position on asset
sales but over and over again indicating to the House that they can somehow build more infrastructure
more quickly. What all members know is that this state needs infrastructure, like the public transport
infrastructure to which the member refers, and that to deliver it there has to be a clear economic
strategy. We the Labor government are the only side of the House that can present such a plan to the
people of Queensland.

So I can say to the member, yes, this project is a priority. That is why we have built the first stage
of it and that is why we have preserved a corridor so that the second stage is ready.

Mr Lucas: With lukewarm support from the member for Maroochydore.

Ms NOLAN: That is right. We have also bought out a number of the properties, through our
generous hardship provisions, so that people are able to move on with their lives. We are the side of
politics that has an economic

With reference to the text in red (and kept in context).

A priority, and that means somewhere between 2026 and 2031.
She has got to be kidding !
At least we now have the state government's definition of what defines a priority.

The Transport Minister's appalling response is to an independant member of parliament,
the Hon. Peter Wellington MP, Member for Nicklin.
He has consistantly retained his Sunshine Coast seat because he actually represents his electorate.
For the Minister to use a perfectly legitimate question to attack the opposition shows very poor judgment IMHO.

This really smacks of the incumbent government's politicisation of the Sunshine Coast and it's growth issues.

We are the first to lose the Sunshine Coast University Hospital at Kawana, now they hope for private enterprise to bail them out and then buy some beds there.
Gold Coast hospital goes ahead of course. There must be some Labor seats down there.
Sunshine Coast rail duplication given "priority" and relegated to 2031 or beyond.


I am appalled.
I would have thought those who have Hon. in front of their titles - would act so.
Apparently not.


Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[#Metro]

As the member for
Nicklin rightly indicates, the project is currently indicated to be undertaken between 2026 and 2031
through the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program.

A priority, and that means somewhere between 2026 and 2031.
She has got to be kidding !
At least we now have the state government's definition of what defines a priority.

Wow, that is some definition of "priority". 20 years away. CAMCOS needs to be built.
There are many projects that could be done, it seems almost overwhelming.

[#Metro]

I am appalled.
I would have thought those who have Hon. in front of their titles - would act so.
Apparently not.

Will we be seeing this debut on PlanStink? 
I really like reading the little blogs that are popping up - humantransit, PlanStink and Brizcommuter

[Fares_Fair]

... that name sounds awfully familiar. 
Where have I heard it before ?

What do you call a word that also describes itself ? 

Yes, why not, I'll have a chat to Family Man.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[Stillwater]

The Gympie North train was delayed 15 minutes at Palmwoods tonight - due to an 'unplanned incldent'.  It turned out to be signal fault at Woombye, due to weather it is believed.  But again, another example of an overworked line.  It can't go on like this until 2026!

[ozbob]

--> http://www.landsborough-nambour.com.au/

[colinw]

--> http://www.landsborough-nambour.com.au/

That site very carefully avoids any mention of when this wondrous thing is likely to eventuate, if ever. 

[Golliwog]

--> http://www.landsborough-nambour.com.au/

That site very carefully avoids any mention of when this wondrous thing is likely to eventuate, if ever. 

Well they have to wait for the EIS to get approved which is taking longer than normal, hence the supplementary report that has been released. Also, I find it strange that the website isn't a .qld.gov.au website but just a standard .com.au one.

[#Metro]

Maybe it will be funded through PPP, hence the .com.au
(this is a joke BTW!) 

[Stillwater]

Stations with short platforms on the Sunshine Coast Line have had temporary scaffolding and plywood extensions in place for more than a year now, with plans to begin replacing them with permanent facilities two years from when they went in.  In places, the scaffold legs sit on blocks of wood resting on ballast.  The recent rains have caused ballast to shift in places, and the temporary foundations may need some attention.  The question is just how 'temporary' is temporary.  QR is stuck between a rock and a hard place.  It made sense to place the temporary extensions at locations such as Eudlo and Woombye when the track duplication to Nambour was to occur in the foreseeable future.  Now that it has been delayed, the dilemma is whether to continue to maintain these temporary platforms for some years to come, or replace them with permanent structures that will have to be abandoned or knocked down in 15 years time.  It is hard to believe that the current temporary platforms would last that long, so another lot of 'temporary' platform replacements may have to be the go.  Unless, that is, QR brings forward the Nambour duplication, which seems unlikely when considering all the current portents.

[#Metro]

Are you serious?
Plywood platforms? 

[Golliwog]

Are you serious?
Plywood platforms? 

Yeah, I remember seeing pics of those somewhere on this forum. Pretty sure thats what is going to be installed at Ferny Grove in the next week or so too. So long as the legs/foundations are fine they should be all good though.

[Stillwater]

TT, you should take the train to Nambour and see what a Heath Robinson affair the line to Australia's 10th largest city is like.  With planned population increases, that status likely to be 8th city in two decades.  Half the services are not trains, but buses.  The trains are diverted onto sidings to allow other trains to pass and passenger trains are shunted backwards into stations.

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2009/03/18/qr-backs-down-closing-coast-stations/

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2711.0

[Stillwater]

And here are some pics of the short platform extensions works.  The brown blocks you can see above the ballast are made of wood.

http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=46407&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

The cost was $3 million - not cheap.

[#Metro]

Wow, that is just amazing. I can see why they have done it, but along with every other problem on the Sunshine Coast, it is the perfect storm against the Sunshine Coast commuter. It is really really bad!

The connecting buses will be really important in a place like that, as will P&R.

[Stillwater]

Oh, the platform extensions are working and are beneficial.  Ironically, increasing patronage meant that passengers had to queue up to enter the train by the first door of the leading car, or by the first three cars at the 'longer' short platform stations.  This increased dwell time at these short platform stations.  Safe train operation has improved.

'Temporary' platform extensions must have a fixed short term life.  The question becomes how many replacement sets are required (at $3 billion a pop) before something permanent goes in, and will those permanent station platforms themselves have to be demolished when the postponed duplication to Nambour finally occurs?

Conceivably, up to three sets of temporary platform extensions might be needed ahead of track straightening and duplication - about $12 million dollars worth allowing for inflation.  How does that compare with the cost of building permanent structures next time round - rather than another set of temporary platforms - in the knowledge that these permanent structures will have to be demolished?  Permanent structures will cost considerably more, so will this higher cost become the tipping point at which it makes sense to bring forward duplication?

It would be interesting to know the answer.

Delaying duplication takes us into the fool's paradise of additional cost.  This is of the order of 15% per annum, based in the government's own calculations.  That affects the benefit-cost analysis and overall value for money, bringing into question whether the duplication will ever proceed.

A further quirky consideration is at play here.  As a result of the floods, there will be considerable rebuilding going in the aftermath of the floods - everywhere but the Sunshine Coast, that is.  The Coast has gone through a slump in new construction recently, with flow-on effects to the local economy.  By and large, it escaped severe flooding.  While the reconstruction efforts elsewhere will achieve an economic stimulus for those areas, the Sunshine Coast will continue to languish economically.  That is, unless the government brings forward a start on the duplication to Landsborough, and from there to Nambour.

[colinw]

That is, unless the government brings forward a start on the duplication to Landsborough, and from there to Nambour.

I wouldn't be holding my breath waiting for that.  It appears that this Government has no real interest in doing anything sensible with the rail system north of Caboolture or west of Ipswich.

[mufreight]

At some of these locations the station locations for the realigned track is such that it would be possible to build the new stations to the new alignment and realign the tracks through the new station which makes a start on the actual duplication, removes the need to rebuild these temporary platforms and would provide the starting points for a staged actual duplication.  

[Stillwater]

That certainly would be a way forward, Mufreight, particularly if the track realignment doing away with the temporary extended patforms and replacing them with permanent platforms was linked to construction of longer passing loops to 1500m on the North Coast Line.  Would that not also involve construction of new station buildings at the locations concerned?

That would leave the issue of the temporary platforms at Eumundi, Pomona and Cooran, which is on a section of track where no realignment or duplication has been planned - not even a glint in the planner's eye.

Traveston station was not included in the temporary platform extension program and was subject to possible closure at one stage.  It remains the only station between Central and Gympie North with a short platform that requires passengers to enter and leave by the front door of the lead car.

[colinw]

At some of these locations the station locations for the realigned track is such that it would be possible to build the new stations to the new alignment and realign the tracks through the new station which makes a start on the actual duplication, removes the need to rebuild these temporary platforms and would provide the starting points for a staged actual duplication.  

That suggestion is far too sensible to ever get actioned in Queensland!

[mufreight]

If the stations at Eumundi, Pamona and Cooran are in locations where there will be no realignment of the rail corridor then it would be logical to provide new stations at these locations now, if they are to be bypassed at some future time then a more robust temporary station should be provided, these could have concrete footings ensuring their stability under all conditions supporting a modular platform construction that can readily be dismantled and moved at some future time, the earthworks would be limited to the foundation trenches which would support the steel or precast concrete platform supports which in turn would carry the precast platform slabs.  Such station facilities as would be required could housed in a demountable structure.
Cheap and simple rather than an overenginered taj mahal structures that seem to be the current thinking of the Transport authoritys involved at this time.
Might also add efficent and effective here rather than monuments to the grandiose dreamings of some architect.

[colinw]

Cheap and simple rather than an overenginered taj mahal structures that seem to be the current thinking of the Transport authoritys involved at this time.

The over engineering of stations is one of the things that really gets up my nose about current network developments.  If the service is good enough then you don't need a Taj Mahal station design, because you'll be off the platform and out of there before you have time to think about how impressive TransLink's latest creation is.

[Stillwater]

What might be the staged roll-out of duplication over selected lengths of track such that the temporary station platforms can be bypassed with dual track built to the eventual new alignment?  I think Mufreight had some ideas in this regard.

[Fares_Fair]

Hello All,

I have put together an itemised summary of what mufreight has suggested as an interim way to achieve better services to the Sunshine Coast (from Beerburrum to Yandina) for a minimal cost compared to full duplication and realignment.

1. Extend duplication and realignment from Beerburrum to Glass House.

2. Next realign and duplicate Eudlo to Palmwoods.

3. Next relocate the limited stabling at Nambour to Yandina and provide a second through platform at Nambour.

4. The remaining sections of single track, i.e. Glass House to Landsborough, Mooloolah to Eudlo, Palmwoods to Woombye and Woombye to Nambour can then be progressively realigned and duplicated as an ongoing work.
(see below for order of works).

5. Upgrade the remaining single track sections by realignment and duplication to occur in the following order:-

(1st) Landsborough to Mooloolah.
(2nd) Mooloolah to Eudlo.
(3rd) Glass House to Landsborough.
(4th) Palmwoods to Woombye.
(5th) Woombye to Nambour.

The above sequence of construction would produce the least amount of conflict with freight services and Traveltrain. It would also prevent the need for freight service curfews.
It would also minimise the cost of set-up for each stage of the construction.

I believe that a 4 to 5 year timeframe (with appropriate funding) would be achievable for the above works.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

Edited 01.02.2011 at 4:07pm - Point 5 reworded for clarity.

[Stillwater]

Re the elements in Item 5 (Landsborough to Mooloolah etc), the following words are used.... 'single track upgrades with realignment and duplication are proposed to occur in the following order'

Does that mean in respect of each section listed sequentially below Item 5 that the current single track sections be replaced with a realigned duplicated section of track (i.e. two tracks)?  OR

Does it mean that the existing single track be replaced with a length of single track on the new alignment and, when that is finished, another single track is laid beside the realigned single track?

The wording is unclear.

[Fares_Fair]

My apologies Stillwater,

Option 1 applies, that is a single track on new alignment and duplicated.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[mufreight]

5. Single track upgrades with realignment and duplication are proposed to occur in the following order:-
Regards,
Fares_Fair.

Perhaps it would read better as
Upgrade the remaining single track sections by realignment and duplication.

      

[Fares_Fair]

Thanks mu, heve reworded the relevant section in my post for clarity.


Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[Stillwater]

Need help with information
As part of the 2008 national infrastructure audit, and among other proposals, the Queensland Government identified four North Coast line projects. These were the operation of 1500m freight trains, and three major track upgrades south of Nambour.  Can anyone help with details of the three locations?

Also, in 1998 Queensland Rail produced a Straight Line Diagram (S24480) identifying 237 deviation sites between Brisbane and Cairns. Of these, 174 rail deviation sites were between Landsborough and Townsville. The deviations indicated in this diagram were identified on the basis that the desired maximum speed for trains between Caboolture and Rockhampton is 160 km/h, and, that the desired maximum speed for trains between Rockhampton and Townsville is 120 km/h.

As part of a 2002 study for Queensland Transport, a study was done for those 135 sites between Landsborough and Townsville where the indicated speed restrictions are less than 100 km/h for freight trains. Does anyone have further information about this study, the locations involved south of Maryborough West and the findings?

[mufreight]

The odds are that like many other reports and studies relative to the rail network that highlight things that need fixing what you are seeking will have dissapeared off the radar and no nonger be obtainable, the best hope is the State library, best of luck.

[Arnz]

My suggested stage of the NCL mainline upgrade would be this.

5-8 year timeframe
1) Glasshouse Mountains to Landsborough duplication + re-alignment (cheapest of the 2nd stage, and less road aligning) + turnback siding at Landsborough to allow clock-face hourly services to Landsborough
2) Mooloolah to Eudlo (horrible alignment between Mooloolah and the existing Eudlo station, a lot of 40-50km/h curves) + Eudlo Station relocated to new site (in accordance with re-aligned route) and replacing the temporary platforms at Mooloolah, Palmwoods and Woombye with permanent structures.

9-15 year timeframe
3) Beerburrum to Glasshouse Mountains (the most challenging (and possibly the expensive part) project - requires A LOT of road re-alignments and bridge crossings).
4) Eudlo to Woombye
5) Landsborough to Mooloolah (and) Woombye to Nambour (station upgrades + relocation of Nambour stabling to Yandina).

[colinw]

As part of the 2008 national infrastructure audit, and among other proposals, the Queensland Government identified four North Coast line projects. These were the operation of 1500m freight trains, and three major track upgrades south of Nambour.  Can anyone help with details of the three locations?

Here's the project summary sheets for the 2008 submission.  There must be more detail somewhere.
http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/resources/infrastructure-funding/part-c-project-summary-sheets.pdf

NCL upgrade to was "Project 32", on page 66 of the PDF.

I was aware of the 2002 study, but the only reference to it that I can find is in a submission to IA by Dr Phillip Laird.

FWIW, here's the 2002 "Needs assessment report" for Caboolture to Landsborough.
http://www.arup.com.au/clrs/genfiles/needs_assessment_report.pdf

[Stillwater]

Many thanks for that reference.

Here is another people might find interesting -- about the performance of the NCL in moving troops and equipment at the height of World War II.

http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/eserv/UQ:206853/s00855804_1993_15_2_94.pdf

One of the more revealing passages states that, at the outbreak of war with Japan, the then Queensland Government Railways believed the NCL was 'saturated in its traffic capacity'.  What is the situation with the NCL today?  It is saturated in its traffic capacity.

[Stillwater]

You either weep or laugh (with hysteria) when you read these reports.  Page 39 of Arup's Caboolture to Landsborough Rail Upgrade Study looks at growth in demand for rail on the corridor, projecting trend, has the average loading of a PM peak northbound train on the Sunshine Coast Line at 101 per cent occupied in 2016 and 125 percent occupied in 2026.

The document shows the peak period passenger load (northbound PM peak) in 2007 were 129 per cent occupied.  It will be 161 per cent occupied in 2016.

More frightening still, ARAP seeks to forecast passenger load, and hence the percentage of seats anticipated to be occupied on Citytrain passenger services south of Landsborough if the mode share targets for the Sunshine Coast are achieved.  Northbound services in the PM peak are expected to be '200 per cent occupied' in 2016 (130 per cent occupied for AM peak southbound).  And in 2026, when the government is scheduled to extend duplication to Nambour - with CAMCOS to follow, northbound peak PM trains will be 245 per cent occupied!  A southbound AM peak train would be on 150 per cent occupied.