Ministerial Statement: Renovations for 21 SEQ train stations

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
08/10/2010

Renovations for 21 SEQ train stations

Twenty-one South East Queensland train stations will be revamped under the Bligh Government's $200 million Rail Station Renovation program, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan announced today.

"This is biggest upgrade of train stations in South East Queensland since services began in the 1860s and commuters will really notice the difference in terms of comfort, convenience and accessibility," Ms Nolan said.

"Work will include the installation of lifts, overhead bridges and construction of park 'n' rides, as well as new passenger information display screens, toilet upgrades, new seating, improved signage, accessibility upgrades, painting and landscaping.

"All up, about 50 of the busiest stations on the network will receive some form of upgrade."

Work will begin shortly at the following stations:

FERNY GROVE LINE

Alderley - $20 million

Newmarket - $800,000

Enoggera - $1.1 million

SHORNCLIFFE LINE

Sandgate - $15 million

Deagon - $800,000

Banyo - $800,000

IPSWICH LINE

Graceville - $900,000

Toowong - $3 million

Bundamba - $1.1 million

Dinmore - $750,000

CABOOLTURE LINE

Zillmere - $3 million

Strathpine - $1 million

CLEVELAND LINE

Buranda - $2 million

Coorparoo - $900,000

Morningside - $950,000

Wynnum Central - $800,000

BEENLEIGH LINE

Loganlea - $750,000

Moorooka - $800,000

Yeronga - $950,000

Woodridge - $1 million

INNER CITY

South Brisbane - $10 million

Ms Nolan made the announcement as Queensland Rail celebrated its first 100 days as a completely customer focussed organisation

"Today marks the first 100 days of the new, customer focussed Queensland Rail and we are already seeing better results for Queenslanders," she said.

"This morning, Queensland Rail staff were out and about at these 21 stations to talk to customers about the upgrades and hand out free breakfast."

The $200 million upgrade program is in addition to ongoing investments in more trains and new tracks including:

- more than $900 million for 64 new three carriage trains - a 45

per cent increase to the train fleet;

- $218 million to build two new tracks from Corinda to Darra,

including station upgrades at Oxley and Darra;

- $1 billion to build a new line and stations to Springfield,

including new stations at Richlands and Springfield; and

- $100 million to build a second track from Keperra to Ferny Grove

and upgrade Ferny Grove station and parking

==============================================================

[ozbob]

The stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes are best constructed 'greenfield' as the line is constructed Richlands to Springfield Central.

Why does Queensland manage to botch so many rail infrastructure projects? E.g.  the fiasco with the UP sub between Corinda and Darra ( a failure to electrify properly) And then even fail to capitalise on the benefit eg. Caboolture to Beerburrum being a 'worst practice' example ...

Oxley bus B and the associated footpath/access ramp issues will forever be preserved in the archives ...

[#Metro]

The stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes are best constructed 'greenfield' as the line is constructed Richlands to Springfield Central.

Why does Queensland manage to botch so many rail infrastructure projects? E.g.  the fiasco with the UP sub between Corinda and Darra ( a failure to electrify properly) And then even fail to capitalise on the benefit eg. Caboolture to Beerburrum being a 'worst practice' example ...

Are there any examples anywhere on the QR network ever where a station has been slotted in?
IMHO slotting in a station while services are operating is going to be a pain in the backside.
Its always more costly to go back and do a project twice.

I can understand that they don't want to spend the money as they want houses to go up first. But if you want TOD, you put the station in first, don't you? The second thing is that even if the stations don't get a lot of walk up patronage, you can ferry in passengers using park and ride and feeder buses like they do in perth. Indeed this is often the only option for stations on the Mandurah and Joondalup lines as the stations themselves are located in the median of a multi-lane freeway (Mitchell and Kwinana Freeways).

[somebody]

I would wonder if there is an example anywhere in the world of a line being built with the intended stations being deferred.

[#Metro]

This is Cockburn Central on the Mandurah line.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=line&sll=-32.125539,115.857911&sspn=0.001904,0.005788&ie=UTF8&t=h&split=1&rq=1&ev=zo&radius=0.2&hq=line&hnear=&ll=-32.12513,115.858448&spn=0.001904,0.005788&z=18

To the left is a bus-rail interchange. The station itself is located in the median of the Kwinana Freeway.
If there are not enough people living near by, get a bus, round them up and feed them into the rail system.

The following buses feed this station:
514
515
520
522
525
526
527
530
531
532
533

[colinw]

Are there any examples anywhere on the QR network ever where a station has been slotted in?

Edens Landing on the Beenleigh Line.

[colinw]

I would wonder if there is an example anywhere in the world of a line being built with the intended stations being deferred.

I don't think so.

"Where else but Queensland"?

The sheer intransigence of the Government & Queensland Transport is breathtaking.  Many of these cases go beyond simple stupidity.

[somebody]

Many of these cases go beyond simple stupidity.

But how can they be malice?

Maybe you are saying: complex stupidity?

[colinw]

Not malice (I hope!), but I believe that at QLD Transport, and in the advice to ministers, etc., there has been a systematic anti-rail bias.

I simply cannot comprehend how anybody can stand up and say with a straight face that we would build a line like Springfield and not put the station in close to the residential area it serves.

[ozbob]

Ellen Grove is very handy to parts of Forest Lake and Carole Park.   Springfield Lakes is where many folks now actually live.  Walk/ride up to the station.

Richlands will be swamped as it is.  Both the extra stations are needed from the commencement of services.  Remember they did want to construct the line as a single track initially from Richlands to Stepham.  At least some commonsense prevailed there ...

[colinw]

Bob, that's exactly it.

Many people live handy to the proposed Springfield Lakes station.

If you fail to build it, then you are forcing them to get in the car and drive several km in the WRONG DIRECTION to access the Springfield station.  Once they are in the car, they are more likely to turn left and drive to the city than turn right and drive to the station.

[Arnz]

I would wonder if there is an example anywhere in the world of a line being built with the intended stations being deferred.

Carseldine.

[somebody]

I would wonder if there is an example anywhere in the world of a line being built with the intended stations being deferred.

Carseldine.

You mean Brisbane's Carseldine?  When/why did that happen?

I simply cannot comprehend how anybody can stand up and say with a straight face that we would build a line like Springfield and not put the station in close to the residential area it serves.

Ditto.  This plan is far worse than the single track plan IMO.

[Stillwater]

A train line without stations?  It is over 25 years old now, but the British comedy series 'Yes Minister' is a casebook study for all students of politics.  Here is a snippet of the show about the award-winning hospital with no patients:
It got the award for having no surgery waiting lists.  Perhaps the Springfield line without stations will record 100 percent for on-time running!  Seriously, let's hope that a $20 million expenditure at Alderley will accommodate the future Trouts Road rail corridor.  It would be tragic to rip up the tracks or have to re-do the platform configuration.

[ozbob]

We have been highlighting this 'oversight' for some time ...  A news report on Channel 7  in 2007 was as comical as it was tragic.  I said something to the effect that to ' catch a train you actually need to have stations to board the train ... '

eg

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=246.0

=====================================

RAIL Back On Track - Media Release 7 October 2007

Brisbane:  Flawed Queensland Transport planning highlighted.

RAIL - Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has congratulated Channel 7 News Brisbane for the report on the Darra to Springfield railway line which was shown during the News on Saturday 6th October. RAIL Back On Track and Community Action for Sustainable Transport (CAST) have previously highlighted Queensland Transport?s myopia in not building all four railway stations on the Darra to Springfield railway line right from the commencement of construction.

Robert Dow said:

"The Darra to Springfield railway line will be a very welcome addition to South East Queensland's transport infrastructure.  Springfield is already a major population centre and rail will provide frequent and safe access to and from the Brisbane CBD, and other suburbs by Citytrain when the line is built.

"The provision of this vital new infrastructure is the prerequisite for fulfillment of the vision of Springfield as a region with low dependence on private cars for transport.  Springfield itself has poor public transport options at the moment though.

"As further highlighted by comments of people interviewed  on the report by Channel 7 News, there is already a need for railway stations at Springfield lakes and Ellen Grove. Building these two stations after the opening of the line is also a false economy for Government as it is likely that costs would be inflated due to the additional construction costs incurred by building around an operational railway line. Buses are already suffering congestion problems from Forest Lake, which a railway station at Ellen Grove would relieve.

"It is to the Queensland Government's credit that they recognise the importance of providing a sound foundation for future growth of the Western Corridor through construction of the Springfield railway line.  However skimping on the initial construction by not providing required stations on the line will only short change all parties in the medium term.

"Rail Back on Track calls for the construction of the stations at Springfield Lakes and Ellen Grove, in addition to the stations at Richlands and Springfield Central to be built as part of the initial works.

"It is time Queensland Transport snapped out of their short term thinking paradigm and moved forwards with sustainable transport solutions without delay."

Contact:

Robert Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org

=============

I wrote this little piece in 2007 as well ..

27th October 2007

All aboard!  The Darra to Springfield Central service with stops at Richlands, Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes is about to depart platform 1.  Stand clear please!

I can imagine hearing this announcement at Darra railway station in the not too distant future.  A railway line from Darra to Springfield is about to be constructed.  The proposed stations on the 16 km line are from Darra; Richlands, Ellen Grove, Springfield Lakes and Springfield Central the terminus.  This railway makes a lot of sense as the greater Springfield area is one of the fastest growing regions in terms of population increases in South East Queensland.  On average three new families move into the Springfield area each day.   But there is a problem.  Of the four proposed stations only Richlands and Springfield Central are to be initially built.  Queensland Transport has indicated that the stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes are not going to be constructed till well after the line is opened.  I and many other residents in the general area believe that by not having all stations operational at day one it will be a major public transport folly and  a lost opportunity to embed sustainable transport solutions in the greater Springfield area.

The residential areas of Springfield Lakes are now above 90% occupied and a need is already there for a station.  Similarly, Ellen Grove needs its station immediately, not only for all the workers in the industrial areas between the railway line and Ipswich Motorway, but also to provide direct access for commuters from Forest Lake to rapid sustainable transport.  Bus services from Forest Lake are chronically overcrowded and it is one of the routes that sweeper buses will be added too shortly in attempts to cope with the congestion. How much more in a few years when the line is built?

With the rapid growth occurring in the Springfield region it is likely that limited bus services in Springfield Lakes will be similarly overstretched in the near future.
Springfield Lakes will be getting a pedestrian bridge so that residents and 2400 school children and staff from Woodcrest College can cross the railway and the motorway. What use will it really be if they cannot catch the train at Springfield Lakes station?

It is important that all stations are operational from day one.  This establishes positive transport habits right from the outset and will minimise road traffic congestion and environmental impacts. Recent RACQ estimates on the annual cost of running new motor vehicles for the first five years at an average 15000 km per year, have indicated costs of anywhere between $6200 and $12000 per year (1).  Fuel price rises will surely add to these costs. Maximising public transport options saves money for communities.

Four operating railway stations from the commencement of services will truly support and confirm the vision of the greater Springfield area as a Transit Oriented Development region, with maximum public transport use and minimal motor vehicle dependence.  A no-brainer?

All aboard for Springfield Lakes and Ellen Grove!


1. http://www.racq.com.au/images/Motoring/vehicle_running_costs_jul07.pdf

=========

 Persistent are we not?  

[#Metro]

"It is to the Queensland Government's credit that they recognise the importance of providing a sound foundation for future growth of the Western Corridor through construction of the Springfield railway line.  However skimping on the initial construction by not providing required stations on the line will only short change all parties in the medium term.

Like the user Somebody said- Penny wise, Pound foolish.
What's the chances I buy a car with 2 wheels and then 'when demand requires' I attach the other two to the vehicle?
Cheaper huh?

[#Metro]

double track to nowhere!!!
     

[Stillwater]

The experience is that you would build these extra stations now because, in reality, they will not be cheaper in a few years time.  Inflation will see to that.  Also, the workforce and equipment to build is already at hand.  To have the contractors take their workers and equipment away, and then bring back at a later date incurs additional set-up and site costs on top of the inflated prices for infrastructure.  Imagine the cost of the Snowy Mountains Scheme if we built that one dam/tunnel at a time, taking the machinery and workers off site and bringing them back time and again.

[#Metro]

Why do I have a sneaking suspicion that when or if ever Kippa Ring gets built, it is going to be single track to a stub station located far from Kippa Ring, and then over an excruciatingly long amount of time, new stations will be drip fed into the line and then after that new duplications will happen over an even more extended amount of time.

[ozbob]

Moreton Bay Rail Link (MBRL) is to be a double track.

[colinw]

Interesting that at $20 million, Alderley is the most expensive of these projects by far.

Early works to make the station suitable for the future Trouts Road corridor perhaps?

Regarding single vs. double track, I hope the lesson has now been learnt and the Airtrain viaduct will prove to have been the last single track extension built.

[Golliwog]

WRT Alderley, that might be part of it, although I would expect it might also be part of the government's contribution to upgrading the station to go with the Alderley Square development going in across the road from the station. Don't know what agreement they have come to, but the developers advertising show a bridge going across the main road there.

[p858snake]

I wonder what they plan to do at Alderly and NewMarket... they have such nice looking [older] style buildings.

[Golliwog]

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/NetworkServices/SEQIP/CurrentProjects/CityNetworkStationUpgrades/Pages/BanyoStationUpgrade.aspx

Banyo Station Upgrade
Project Name: Banyo Station Upgrade
Location: Banyo Station
Project Cost:
The upgrade of Banyo Station is part of the $200 million government funded Station Upgrade Program of works encompassing 50 stations across the network.
 
Project Background:
The Queensland Government, through the TransLink Transit Authority and Queensland Rail, is improving station facilities with the upgrade of around 50 of the busiest stations across the network.

The upgrade and improvement works at Banyo Station will provide customers with better station facilities and increased comfort while they complete their journey.
 
Key Features:
*Installation of passenger information display screens
*Toilet upgrade
*New and improved station furniture and signage
*Fresh painting and station cleaning

Project Impacts: Timetabled services will operate as normal. Customers will be advised in advance of any changes.

We thank you for your patience and cooperation during this important station upgrade.
 
Contact us: For further information please contact the project team:

Phone: 07 3235 1516
Email:  stationupgrades@qr.com.au  

Edit:  They changed the link.  Updated.  (Derwan)

[BribieG]

Why do I have a sneaking suspicion that when or if ever Kippa Ring gets built, it is going to be single track to a stub station located far from Kippa Ring, and then over an excruciatingly long amount of time, new stations will be drip fed into the line and then after that new duplications will happen over an even more extended amount of time.

That's what they did with the Gateway motorway, first single track then double with roundabouts every few KM, then eventually they put in the overpasses.

Pity to see that Morayfield is not going to get lifts. I suffer from bursitis of the knees. Morayfield would have to be as busy as Caboolture, especially in peak times, Often there are only twenty or thirty on the 7.15 express at Caboolture, but look out when you get to M'field.

[Derwan]

Details on what's happening to a number of stations have been added to http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/NetworkServices/SEQIP/CurrentProjects/CityNetworkStationUpgrades/Pages/default.aspx.

[Stillwater]

You beaut!  Caboolture and Narangba station upgrades long overdue.  However, I hope whatever is done at Caboolture forms part of a much bigger revamp that turns this into a major transit centre.   Are there any details of the smaller $20 million for 20 stations program?

[O_128]

Something needs to be done to highlight the lack of stations on the springfield line, Courier mail article perhaps? People seem to always know when a road or tall building is getting built but never public transport

[ozbob]

STAND CLEAR PLEASE, the Springfield service is about depart from platform one Darra.  Customers please note that due to an ... 'oversight' there are no stations at Ellen Grove or Springfield Lakes.  Passengers ... oops customers for these stations can detrain at Richlands and walk, or travel through to Springfield and catch a hot air balloon.  This is the railway without stations, aren't you glad that we all live in the smart state!  Please be reminded that car one is the noisy carriage and you can curse away in that carriage.  Please remember to touch off before commencing your walk or hot air balloon ride.  Queensland Rail would like to apologise for this inconvenience but not having to stop at tiresome stations does improve our ontime train performance. Chocolate with chocolate chip muffins and bottle water will be available at Richlands and Springfield station for your comfort ... 

And so another load of tired but nevertheless muffin expectant passengers oops customers  head out west on the latest addition to our great network.  The railway that has missing stations but has great ontime train performance.

[p858snake]

At least (although not on that list) Roma Street is finally getting the toilets renovated and cleaned up.

[ozbob]

Some photographs Sandgate rail.  Haven't been there for a while.

Nice old station Sandgate.  The only issue I could see with platform 2 was the lack of access.








There are two pairs of readers adjacent to each other platform one







Photographs R Dow 1st November 2010

[Golliwog]

Narangba station upgrade

Where: 448 Burpengary Road, Narangba
Investment:  $22.5 million
Start: April 2011
Finish: Late 2011
Contact us Phone: 3235 1516
Email: passengerprojects@qr.com.au

What the improvements will provide
•Improved access paths to and from the station platforms via lifts.
•New footbridge, stairs and ramps.
•Improved wayfinding measures including signage, passenger information displays, and audible communications.
•Resurfacing of platforms and the installation of ground tactiles, providing a safer waiting area for customers.
•Improved lighting for station platforms, buildings and access paths.
•New station building and amenities.
•Improved waiting shelters.
•Platform raising to minimise the gap between the platform edge and the train to avoid the need for access ramps.
Will train services be affected?

Train services may be affected during construction. Queensland Rail and TransLink will keep customers informed well in advance. It is likely car parking will be impacted as well as access to toilet facilities.

We thank you for your patience and cooperation during these important construction works.

Traffic conditions
We will try to keep disruptions to a minimum and we will have signage and traffic controllers to direct road users around construction works as required. Pedestrian access may be limited at times.

We thank you for your patience.

Artist's Impression:

[#Metro]

The overbridge there looks like it has glass on it.
I like the "busway style" design. About time rail stations stopped looking like jails.

HOWEVER

What is the train frequency at this station?
I'd gladly take more frequent trains over station upgrades at my local.

[Golliwog]

IIRC the somewhat main reason for the upgrade is because the current old wooden overpass broke a bit a while ago? I vaguely remember hearing someone on here saying something about it. I would assume that they did some repairs to it at the time but replacement is what is needed for all these old bridges.

Plus, the new design makes it look sexy and attractive

[Stillwater]

A makeover that's long overdue.  This station attracts a large number of passengers who drive their cars to and from the station.