25 Mar 2010: SEQ: Cross River Rail

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Media Release 25 March 2010

SEQ:  Cross River Rail

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has said the announcement by the Premier and Minister for Transport confirming the project as one of state significance and the confirmation of the final route outline is a quantum leap forward for public transport and Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Cross River Rail project will allow increased train frequency on all lines and the introduction of novel train paths.  This is essential in view of the looming capacity constraints through the CBD rail corridor.  The route outlined we believed is the best of the options considered.  The projected interface with either Central or Roma St railway stations is essential and will make rail travel seamless with the rest of the network."

"The benefit of an underground rail station at Woolloongabba and in the southern CBD will be immense in terms of providing mass transit access for citizens to these major public transport journey generator locations."

"Utilisation of part of the Exhibition loop rail corridor for this extension makes economic and operational sense.  Some additional works will be required to ease the Cross River Rail line onto the main northern line but this is relatively straight forward compared to a continuation of the tunnel.  The planned development at the Exhibition precinct will now be directly supported by mass transit."

"The detailed planning for Cross River Rail needs to include provision for subsequent additions to the network.  For example, the projected underground line from Indooroopilly, St Lucia (UQ) and then CBD could perhaps be best routed via Woolloongabba.  This would then give access to and from Cross River Rail to both the southern and western lines."

"Congratulations to all involved with Cross River Rail project and the community looks forward to the consultative phases soon to be undertaken."

Reference:

1.  http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=69049

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org