Article: Public must endure railway closure

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Public must endure railway closure

Public must endure railway closure

19th August 2010

IPSWICH rail commuters should just grin and bear yet another Ipswich line closure this weekend, rail-commuter spokesman Robert Dow says.

This Sunday, August 21, all trains from Rosewood to Corinda will be replaced by buses.

There have been seven track closures from Corinda to Rosewood already this year.

Buses will stop at all stations between Rosewood and Corinda, with train services to the city will depart from Corinda.

But Mr Dow, Rail Back on Track spokesman, said the track closures were a necessary evil as Queensland Rail builds extra tracks on the Ipswich line which will enable high frequency train runs from next year.

Mr Dow said it was likely that from 2011 trains will regularly run every 15 minutes during extended peak hours.

"The train pain is worth the gain," Mr Dow said.

"The work is needed for the future of Ipswich rail and the Government has been very good to that line in upgrading it with another track.

"I could understand people being frustrated by the closures but they have to happen for the track duplication and therefore higher frequency train runs to occur."

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan asked Ipswich commuters for patience.

"We are building a better rail network which includes significant upgrades to the Ipswich line as well as a new line to Richlands by next year and to Springfield by 2013," the Minister said.

"Once complete, there will be huge benefits to passengers and I thank commuters for their patience through the work."

Mr Dow said there was also a track triplication planned for the Ipswich line within the next few years.

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http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?1280366422

Rosewood to Corinda track work

From the first train on Saturday 21 August until the last train on Sunday 22 August, all trains from Rosewood to Corinda will be replaced by buses.

Buses will stop at all stations between Rosewood and Corinda stations. Connecting train services to the city will depart from Corinda.

This closure will allow for track improvement works.

[WTN]

I'm shaking my head as to why they chose this weekend. The Ipswich Workshops Rail Museum is hosting the Annual Workers Reunion and Community day on Sunday. A slap in the face for QR's own workers (past and present) and some Ipswich residents that want to go.

[Golliwog]

Because its quite possible if they don't get this done this weekend then it could hold up all other work for the week. Depends what their project schedule is like and how tight it is but it is a definate possibility.

[Derwan]

Well said Bob.  We can't have it both ways.  The closures are necessary and I'm sure any decent person would understand.

I'm shaking my head as to why they chose this weekend. The Ipswich Workshops Rail Museum is hosting the Annual Workers Reunion and Community day on Sunday. A slap in the face for QR's own workers (past and present) and some Ipswich residents that want to go.

It might be a bit ironic that railway workers are forced to catch a bus instead of the train - but I'm sure this isn't such a huge event that they should consider postponing works on the line.

[ozbob]

I have just been down to Darra.  The footbridge is being removed this weekend and it is a time critical part of the works.  This is one of the reasons for this being locked in I suspect.  Heavy cranes will be needed.  Could be interesting as buses are planned to be on the UP side ...

Last minute works proceeding on subways etc. to allow subway access to platforms 3 and 4 from Monday morning.

[WTN]

Derwan, you could be right. There's still transport to Ipswich. I'm not sure what the turnout will be, but I'll be going there this Sunday and seeing how the bustitution holds up. Hopefully it won't be too squashy.

Bob, I can see why we can't have it both ways. Darra needs to go ahead.