Darra - Springfield Railway

[somebody]

It would be logical to continue the construction to Ellengrove as a next stage rather than shut the program down and start again.

Indeed, the Ellen Grove area has already been developed, so there doesn't appear to be any good reason not to run that far.

[O_128]

It would be logical to continue the construction to Ellengrove as a next stage rather than shut the program down and start again.

Indeed, the Ellen Grove area has already been developed, so there doesn't appear to be any good reason not to run that far.

Other than that this is queensland

[stephenk]

It would be logical to continue the construction to Ellengrove as a next stage rather than shut the program down and start again.
Opening the line to Ellengrove would provide an alternative for commuters from Forest Lake and pull some out of cars on to rail with obvious benefits to all.
The further extension to Springfield Lakes could then continue on with the line then being extended to Springfield itself but it should not finish there with construction continuing beyond Springfield into the Ripley Valley swinging away from the Centenary Highwaytowards Spring Mountain and following Woogaroo Creek towards South Ripley then towards Deebing Heights with the option then of following Deebing Creek through Yamanto and Churchill looping back into Ipswich or continuing towards Peak Crossing to service the expanding rural residential developments in that area towards Boonah.
A program of continuing construction with reserved corridors determined now would be the most cost effective method of providing transport infrastructure into these areas in the future.
The same reasoning dictates that the reconstruction of the Ferny Grove station should allow for the future extension of the line beyond the existing station towards Sanmford rather than the station as presently proposed.

I completely agree. In the long term it is more cost effective to keep the line construction continuing as one project, rather than disbanding the project, and then starting again a few years later.

To reduce car dependance in this part of SE Queensland - the line to Springfield must be made double track (to allow reliable 10-15min frequencies), to include all intermediate stations, and have a feeder bus network preferably matching the off-peak train frequency.

[Mozz]

One of the most sensible suggestions I have heard in relation to public transport given the statements from all levels of government re population growth and where it is going to happen (west of brisbane)

[ozbob]

Media Release 29 January 2010

SEQ:  Richlands next, keep going!

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 called for the construction of the railway line from Darra to Springfield to be done as a priority for a number of years (1,2,3).  Presently the first stage of the railway, Darra to Richlands is being built.  Rather than stop at Richlands push on now to at least Ellen Grove whilst funding for the final sections is secured.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Springfield is a rapid expanding residential and commercial development. The western region has been flagged as high growth.  The proper provision of public transport is essential to avoid the propagation of more transport poor urban regions."

"RAIL Back On Track members have suggested that it would be much more cost effective to utilise the present construction teams and keep pushing on to Springfield.  At a minimum continue construction to Ellen Grove whilst further funding is sought.  It costs a lot of money to disperse and then re-establish construction teams."

"Novel funding options should also be considered. For example part public investment from individuals and superannuation funds could be a smart way of raising capital (3).

"It is also essential that the stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes (and Springfield) are built from the outset and the line be double track all the way from Richlands to Springfield."

References:

1.  2 Dec 2007: SEQ - Darra to Springfield railway line needed now! http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=321.0

2.   31 Jan 2008: Brisbane: Springfield railway, better late than never! http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=450.0

3.   6 June 2009: SEQ: Richlands to Springfield railway line needed now! http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2364.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[somebody]

Being built as a single track to Ellen Grove and then stopping and restarting in a few years would be far preferable to stopping construction at Richlands.

(Oohh, controversial)

[ozbob]

Disagree, the additional cost for duplication relative to single is minor.  For once lets hope they get it right.

Cheers
Bob

[mufreight]

S9rry Somebody but must disagree with your comment

Being built as a single track to Ellen Grove and then stopping and restarting in a few years would be far preferable to stopping construction at Richlands.

(Oohh, controversial)

Might I suggest that you read the comments already made on this subject on the Darra Springfield thread in Infrastructure

The reality is that in terms of cost there is little difference.
The formation would be built to accomodate double track, all below track infrastructure such as culverts and bridges would also be constructed to accomodate double track. construction costs for a double track bridge are only about a third more than those for a single track structure of the same length.
The only savings are by not actually laying the track and these are outweighed by the operational flexibility afforded by a double track.
By keeping the construction teams together in a seamless project there are further savings beside setup costs, the efficency gains in keeping an experienced team together in continuing employment on a project such as this alone justify the continuation rather than the stop start segmented construction as you propose.

[somebody]

Following on from my previous comments:
Yes, I understand that it would be a bad idea for RailBoT to propose this, so I'm not completely sure why I even said it.  But the rebuttals don't directly address the point.

What might be even better if they went back and electrified the 4th track Corinda-Darra and built the fourth platform without disbanding the site.  Shouldn't this be done before the line is commisioned?

[ozbob]

What might be even better if they went back and electrified the 4th track Corinda-Darra and built the fourth platform without disbanding the site.  Shouldn't this be done before the line is commisioned?

Agree whole heartedly Somebody but it seems not,  We have made a number of representations on this public and private, and all were dismissed.

It seems the funding for Richlands to Springfield is being treated entirely separate and at last seems to have caught the attention of the Feds.  

Even the good Mayor of Ipswich has been working to seek an outcome as well.  Who knows, we may yet see funding materialise and it is kept going.  The ICRCS suggests the 4th line between Darra and Corinda needs to be electrified by 2015, maybe there is a case to include in the latest bids.

Understand the point about single better than nothing. But there is a chance to get it right and as you commented we will try for the best outcome.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Trains could arrive early

Trains could arrive early

Chris Garry | 19th March 2010

SPRINGFIELD residents could be catching the train to work by 2013, two years ahead of schedule.

Construction on the Darra to Springfield train line is under budget and ahead of time with stage one of the project, which included construction of the train line from Darra to Richlands and the Richlands train station, almost complete.

The next stage, a four lane highway from the Logan Motorway Interchange to Springfield and an extension of the railway line to a Springfield station was to begin in 2013, completed in 2015.

But the engineering company behind the project, Horizon Alliance, has written to the State Government requesting permission for release of funds so they can begin stage two immediately.

If the request is granted, Springfield train station could be operational within three years not five.

Springfield Chamber of Commerce president Brian Hooper said the main criticism of Springfield from residents was the lack of public transport available.

"If the rail line was delivered well ahead of schedule, Springfield would receive a large boost," Mr Hooper said.

"The area needs public transport."

The State Government has formed a Cabinet Review Committee to evaluate the Horizon Alliance request for funding.

Mr Hooper has written to the Queensland Premier Anna Bligh to show how much it would mean to Springfield's business community if the project was delivered ahead of time.

"Horizon Alliance are well ahead on this project and they want to keep the ball rolling on construction and get the next stage completed early so I hope the State Government listens to Horizon and releases the funding early," Mr Hooper said.

There are still 11 kilometres of rail line and nine kilometres of road to be built in the remaining 25 per cent of the project.

The project began in February, 2008.

Darra to Richlands construction see -->  here!

[O_128]

Don't bother if it isn't dual track and Ellen grove and Springfield lakes stations aren't built

[#Metro]

So the time blew out, and then the time was set back to normal?

Build it!

[mufreight]

It will be far more cost effective and practical to continue construction as far as Ellengrove as double track as the next stage, when Ellengrove is reached extend services to there, this will take some of the anticipated parking load off Richlands, by doing the complete job in stages money is saved by the elimination of start up costs and by maintaining the core of skilled workers.

[Golliwog]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/springfield-developer-maha-sinnathamby-wants-money-back/story-e6freqmx-1225867156659

Springfield developer Maha Sinnathamby wants State Government money back
Kay Dibben From: The Sunday Mail (Qld) May 16, 2010 12:01AM

THE developer pushing for a rail link to Australia's largest privately-owned city, Springfield, is taking the State Government to the High Court over compensation.
Springfield Land Corporation has applied for special leave to appeal to the High Court against a decision which left it without any compensation for resumed land.

In December, Queensland's Court of Appeal dismissed SLC's appeal over a ruling that it should not get almost $1.5 million in compensation.

The issued dated back to 2005, when the Government gave the developer notice it wanted to resume an extra 7ha for future transport purposes, including road and rail.

The Appeal Court accepted the Government's argument that the value of SLC's other land would be increased by the extension of the transport corridor, west from Springfield town centre.

The new appeal bid has surprised some within government and the community.

"Developers are quite happy for taxpayers to fund infrastructure that swings past their doorstep," a government source said.

"And yet they have not hesitated to go to the highest court in the land to milk compensation."

The filing of the High Court application, which could be heard as early as next month when the court sits in Brisbane, has been kept quiet. Even Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller was unaware of it.

"As this is a matter before the courts, Springfield Land Corporation cannot comment at this time," a spokesman for SLC said last week, when contacted by The Sunday Mail.

Springfield, created by Maha Sinnathamby, the fifth richest Queenslander on The Sunday Mail's Rich List last year, now has a population of 20,000. It is expected to reach almost 110,000 by 2030.

"Springfield Land Corporation will continue to work closely with the State Government in an effort to bring forward the timeframe for the delivery of a critical rail service to one of Australia's fastest growing regions," an SLC spokesman said.

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said the Springfield rail link would be further considered during the annual review of the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program.

Ms Miller said the Government had made it clear it would be willing to move ahead with the railway line construction, provided the developer made a contribution to the "bring forward" costs.

Stage One of the $800 million Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor project, including construction of a 4.5km rail line from Darra to Richlands, is well under way.

The project also upgrades 4.35km of the Centenary Highway, from two to four lanes from Richlands to Logan Motorway interchange, Carole Park. The rail line to Richlands is due for completion next year and to Springfield by 2015.

[Golliwog]

Seems to me like the developer wants his cake and to eat it to. He's got the State government building a new rail line through his land which will increase the value of the houses he'll build there massively. I feel thats more than enough compensation.

And later in the article SLC says they are working with the government to fast track the construction of the rail line. How is wasting $1.5m on compensation going to make them build the railway faster? Ridiculous.

[Derwan]

How is wasting $1.5m on compensation going to make them build the railway faster? Ridiculous.

Not to mention the court costs on both sides!!

I think developers should HAVE to fund public transport (at least the infrastructure) to their developments - especially major developments.  It is clear that the QLD Government cannot afford to do it.

[mufreight]

Perhaps if the government had met the original agreement to provide the rail infrastructure to Springfield as a double track line with the four stations in service by 2011 instead of the existing latest government intention of a sub standard single track line beyond Richlands without the two intermediate stations to a defered 2017 commissioning date then the developer might be more accomodating with the government in the provision of a transport corridor that will no doubt see roads but in all probability based on this governments record to date will not see rail infrastructure in our lifetimes if the current government remains in power.
The developer has in this case already made a quite significent contribution toward infrastructure that the government has to date failed to deliver instead expending the funds on the construction of the extension of the Centenary Highway through to join the Cunningham Highway at Yamanto which is of little if any benefit to the developer of Springfield.
This is not to say that the opposition will do any better but we can but hope.

[somebody]

Sounds like a lay down mizarre in law that the developer should get his compensation.  Did you see "The Castle"?

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Springfield railway 2 years early

Springfield railway 2 years early

Brad Weier | 7th June 2010

THE $646 million Springfield rail line will be delivered two years ahead of schedule.

Part of tomorrow's State Budget announcement, The Queensland Times can exclusively reveal the move will fast-track one of the western corridor's major pieces of infrastructure.

State Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller said the development would now be delivered in 2013.

"This result is a huge win for all the communities of Springfield, Springfield Lakes, Augustine Heights, Redbank Plains and Bellbird Park," Mrs Miller said.

"I've been telling (Treasurer Andrew Fraser) how important this project is for our area, and the impact it would have on sustainable public transport for families."

Mrs Miller said the 10-kilometre line was the next step in Springfield's evolution.

"It will provide a direct link between Springfield and Brisbane, which will mean a lot to the community. It will offer better access, cheaper travel, less congestion and fewer delays," she said.

"It's about giving these growth suburbs access to world-class public transport, significantly improving the way they travel, and a better work and family balance.

"It will also hopefully relieve the car-parking pressures at the Redbank, Goodna, Gailes and Wacol railway stations."

Mrs Miller said tomorrow's announcement was part of a commitment to public transport across Ipswich.

"We believe in public transport as a means to get people out of their cars, to cut congestion, reduce greenhouse gases and manage growth," she said.

"We've already invested almost $400 million to build a new line from Darra to Richlands, and getting the rail line to Springfield as soon as possible is really important.

"Tomorrow's State Budget announcement will also include $104 million to complete the rail line from Darra to Richlands and $25 million to complete the third track from Corinda to Darra."

The Budget will be delivered by Queensland Treasurer and Employment and Economic Development Minister Andrew Fraser tomorrow afternoon.

Yeeeee Haaaaaa !!!!

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Budget plans to fast track rail line to Springfield

Budget plans to fast track rail line to Springfield
TONY MOORE
June 7, 2010 - 6:28AM

The state government will fast track a new train line to Springfield in the wake of its recent announcement that nearby Ripley would be one of three new "cities" in south-east Queensland.

brisbanetimes.com.au can reveal the new rail line from Richlands train station, west to Springfield, will be fast-tracked to be completed in 2013, two years ahead of its planned 2015 completion date.

The plan will be contained in tomorrow's State Budget and follows Premier Anna Bligh's announcement last month that three new population centres would be constructed in the south-east corner.

"We're going to work with those councils in Logan and in Ipswich, with the Urban Land Development Authority using its powers to bring forward the planning approvals and bring these projects to the market much sooner than the councils could," Ms Bligh said last month.

The first stage of the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor will allow the Centenary Highway to be widened from two lanes to four lanes from Darra through to the Logan Motorway.

That project will also include a new 3.6 kilometre rail line from Darra, over the Ipswich Motorway, to a new train station being built at Richlands.

The state government plans to have the project's $800 million first stage, where the rail line reaches Richlands, completed by 2011 and the four-lane Centenary Highway to reach the Logan Interchange by late this year.

However, the first stage is already 80 per cent complete and five months of rail work started last month.

Stage two will extend the rail line to Richlands and the Centenary Highway widening to Springfield.

brisbanetimes.com.au understands negotiations are underway to bring the project's completion date forward by two years to 2013.

"That would be sensible speculation," a government source confirmed on Friday.

Public transport lobby group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said it made economic sense to bring forward the project, given stage one of the project was 80 per cent complete.

"Construction to Richlands is ahead of schedule and it would make sound economic sense to continue with the present construction force," Mr Dow said.

"Stopping and starting is very expensive."

Queensland Rail plans to build a single rail track from Richlands to Springfield, but Mr Dow called for a dual line track.

"We think that it should be double-tracked all the way to Springfield, mainly in view of the Ripley Valley announcement," he said.

Mr Dow said new stations should be built at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes while the project team was in place, rather than retro-fitting rail stations.

He said the experience of the Gold Coast rail line, where a second rail line was now being added, proved the folly of not building suitable rail infrastructure in the first place.

The Gold Coast rail line was closed in 1964, but was re-opened with new stations built at Helensvale in 1996, Nerang (1997), Robina (1998) and Varsity Lakes last year.

In the past five years, the state government has been forced to double the number of tracks between Ormeau and Coomera and from Helensvale to Robina at substantial cost.

[Mozz]

Good news let's hope it's built the way it should be first up!!!!

[Dennis McLean]

So, this so called Government is going to dig up a pot of gold, where from, more TAXES, or tolls perhaps the Politicians can forgo some of there PERKS, and finish the Springfield line ahead of time, good for them, BUT what about the Petrie to Kipparing Railway, promised for over 100 years.  The land is owned by the Government, but obviously the people of Kallangur, North Lakes, Murrumba Downs, Griffin, Mango Hill, and of course I nearly forgot Kipparing/Redcliffe must NOT be important enough to George Street.  Perhaps the Federal Government can borrow some more money from China or elsewhere to help us, when they finally consider the Infrastructure Australia submission.  Who knows it might only take another 10 years, we can hope.

The traffic in this area is abominable, nearest station is Petrie, and one is flat out getting a parking spot after 7am or so.  There is a sort of Bus service here, but who wants buses, we want a train.  Again we who live in this rapidly growing area are forgotton.

Perhaps I should have started a new thread, but could not resist putting my comments here

Dennis 

[ozbob]

No worries Dennis.  We share your frustration re Petri - Kippa Ring, a line we support and continue to lobby for.  See thread here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7.msg24531

Funding requests have been  made federally, who knows?  It is time it was built.

[Derwan]

I think it's funny that the media is using terms such as "2 years early" and "fast track".  Isn't it just returning to the original schedule (i.e. before it was delayed)?

[stephenk]

I think it's funny that the media is using terms such as "2 years early" and "fast track".  Isn't it just returning to the original schedule (i.e. before it was delayed)?

You are right. More spin. Do the government really think that people have such short memories that they had forgotten that the Springfield line had been delayed in the first place?

Now is the Springfield Line going to have double tracks, and intermediate stations, or is going to be yet another half-baked rail infrastructure project?

Edit: In fact the Springfield Line was originally slated for 2011, so even if it is "fast tracked" "2 years early" it is in fact 2 years late!

[mufreight]

This latest statement now means that the Springfild line will now only be three years behind schedule as the original completion date was to be 2910/11 still it is doing better than the Kippa Ring line which has been aqn election prommise for over 105 years.

[somebody]

Now is the Springfield Line going to have double tracks, and intermediate stations, or is going to be yet another half-baked rail infrastructure project?

ozbob has stated in another thread that it is to be double tracks all the way, according to information he has received.  Stations we are not sure about, but at least they can be added later as side platforms relatively easily.  Although lacking the stations seems to undermine the possibility of the line being successful.

[ozbob]

Yes  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3940.msg28030#msg28030

Also, I have sought confirmation about the track.  Advice from Ministerial staff is that it will be dual track to Springfield. 
But at this stage stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes not confirmed.  As construction develops this may change.

[ozbob]

I posted this October 2007 ... 

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=246.msg917#msg917

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

[ozbob]

For continuity continue in this thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3940.0