Western Suburbs corridor

[jgabris]

There is a unique opportunity for public transport to rapidly solve major traffic problems around the Western suburbs, an area that is facing rapid and unsustainable growth in demands on its transport infrastructure.  While Moggill Road is already unable to satisfactorily handle current loads, and discussions about highly expensive and disruptive new roads are underway, there appears to be little mention of the excellent public transport options that exist because of the presence of a very suitable corridor.

Around 20 years ago, a corridor was set aside for a road that would run across the river at Karalee, running through Bellbowrie, Anstead, Pullenvale and Kenmore until it joined to the Centenary Highway.  The route can be seen on Whereis.com, with the indicator on the line of the proposed route:
http://www.whereis.com/whereis/retrieveEmailMap.do?linkId=4071648749089322438

Now, I understand, it has been decided that the corridor would be too narrow in parts to fully meet the need; presumably between Marland St and Twilight Street in Kenmore.  Surely this route could be serviced with light rail if it couldn?t be linked to a main line.  Even, at the least, a bus way would be a good option.

As someone who lived in Bellbowrie, I have seen how bad the road system is already, even before some of the new estates have been completed, and I have listened with dread to some of the road and bridge options being proposed.  I believe that an excellent opportunity exists to use rail (or, at least, public transport) to make a major impact in that region.

[ozbob]

Hi JGA,

Great comments.  We have had some feedback re this situation.  I think it is something we (RAIL Back On Track) should write to the Minister of Transport and Main Roads about.
I personally believe a light rail feeding into Indooroopilly would be sensible, sustainable and of great benefit to the community.

Over twenty years ago now,  there were some tentative moves to utilise the corridor.  Some vested interests (developers and the like) and a some influential NIMBYs managed to stall any practical solutions which are now so desperately needed.  The litany of our failed Governments and planners is apalling.  

If you feel inclined please draft a letter.  Your post above is an excellent basis, email to me at admin@backontrack.org and I can submit.

Best wishes
Ozbob

[ozbob]

A heavy rail line from Kenmore to connect with the Ipswich line say between Riverview and Redbank would afford a fast escape from the traffic chaos.  It would reverse the flow of traffic as folks could change their direction of travel to connect with the railway.  Folks could commute to the city via fast suburban electric trains.  This could be a sensible solution.

Regards
Ozbob

[Tony Young]

Hi jgabris,

You're not alone, I'd also support such a plan and am yet to meet a person who doesn't think it's a very good idea.

Take a look at the file called MoggillTransport.pdf on this page, it's a starting point for discussion of such a plan that I have put together:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Western_Brisbane_Transport_Study/files/Solution%20-%20Possible%20Components/

You may need to register to view it, but there is quite a lot of useful info on that site.

[Tony Young]

You may also find this interesting:

http://qld.greens.org.au/media-releases/blind-candidate-with-transport-vision

[ozbob]

Welcome to RAIL Back On Track Tony!

Thanks for the links Tony.  I see on the document at Yahoo that there is a suggestion for a line (heavy rail) into Oxley or Riverview.  I really think this is an idea with much merit and worth our strong support.

Regards
Ozbob

[Tony Young]

Thanks Bob,

Ideally I guess you'd provide a direct rail link between the mini cities of Indooroopilly, Mt Gravatt, Carindale, Airport, Chermside, Ferny Grove and the Gap, then another arc around Springfield, Browns Plains, Capalaba, Wynnum, Sandgate, Strathpine, Samford and Bellbowrie.  Sounds like a lot, but a lot of track is already there, some is planned (Westgate to Springfield) and if things like the Gateway Bridge are to duplicated, it's lunacy to build only a road and no real infrastructure assets.

But for now, jgabris and I would settle for the baby step (although it seems like a mountain) of getting a light rail link from Moggill to Indro.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas
05/06/2007

Residents to have input into Western Brisbane transport study

The State Government will distribute more than 1.2 million newsletters to South East Queensland households about the Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said today.

Mr Lucas told State Parliament today that households from Beenleigh in the south to Esk in the west and north to Caboolture would receive information about the study, including draft terms of reference.

"This study will look at the broad transport needs of the western Brisbane region, including public transport, regional walk/cycle paths, freight routes and the road network," Mr Lucas said.

"It's not just about bypass options.

"I want to assure residents, no route for a western bypass has been chosen and there is currently no recommendation to build one."

Mr Lucas said the mail-out would give South East Queensland residents more opportunity to have their say on the study.

"There is already a website with a contact email and phone number for people interested in the study," Mr Lucas said.

"And this massive mail-out will be a good opportunity for people to find out more about the study and have input into the terms of reference.

"I urge everyone to have their say."

Mr Lucas also refuted claims by Deputy Opposition Leader Bruce Flegg that the government had refused to answer repeated questioning in Parliament on the issue.

"As far as Dr Flegg goes, it would appear that actions speak a lot louder than words," Mr Lucas said.

"He has not asked me one question about the study or any bypass proposals since I became Minister for Transport and Main Roads in 2004."

Web site --> Click here!

[ozbob]

Comments are now being invited.

See -->  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=139.0

Regards

Admin
RAIL Back On Track

[Jon Bryant]

Bob,

I think the use of the Western suburb corridor for rail rather than a useless road needs to be championed again.  The Western Corridor Investigation is a roads base/justification design process.  It is hosted by Main Roads as well.  Time to see if the new Minister does really understand the benefits of rail.

Jon B