Multiple site compounds are being established to progress a billion-dollar rail project between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Enabling works are well underway and major construction will soon start for Stage 1 of the Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) Rail Upgrade, which will include duplication of a 12km section of line between Beerburrum and Beerwah and improvements to surrounding infrastructure.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the works would bolster public transport.
“Stage 1 of the project will increase the capacity and reliability of the North Coast Line, enabling more efficient travel and improved passenger and freight connections,” they said.
“This project is an important part of broader transport planning for an enhanced and integrated public transport network that better connects Sunshine Coast communities and helps to divert traffic off the Bruce Highway.”
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Stage 1 of the B2N will complement The Wave, a planned multibillion-dollar rail and metro bus route between Beerwah and Sunshine Coast Airport.
The contract to finalise design and build Stage 1 was awarded last year to a John Holland Queensland–Seymour Whyte joint venture.
Early works are complete, including a new park ‘n’ ride and bus interchange at Landsborough Station with 300 additional car parks, a park ‘n’ ride at Nambour Station with 50 extra spaces, and a 1km section of Steve Irwin Way realigned to accommodate the new rail corridor.
Preparations are now underway for major works, including the track duplication.
The main site compound is established at Church Street in Beerburrum, and three compounds are being created near Berteaus Road, Barrs Road and Coonowrin Creek South at Glass House Mountains. More compounds will be set up along key work areas to accommodate the workforce and to store materials.
Enabling works have included relocating signalling assets and utilities and installing temporary fencing to allow safe working.
The project is approved under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Targeted vegetation clearing started in August, with measures in place to reduce impacts on koalas.
“The project team undertakes surveys prior to clearing, utilise fauna spotters during clearing and ensure that clearing practices conform to state government policy,” the spokesperson said.
During works, motorists can expect temporary traffic changes on sections of Steve Irwin Way and adjoining roads.
The federal and state governments have committed more than $1 billion towards Stage 1, including $616.7 million from the former and $387.5 million from the latter. Property acquisitions were completed in 2021.
Both governments have also funded a study to review future demand on the North Coast Line between Beerwah and Nambour and services between Nambour and Gympie North, assessing options to improve operations, efficiency, accessibility and freight capacity, and guiding future stages beyond Stage 1.
Transport advocacy group Better Transport Queensland secretary Alex Jago welcomed the escalation of works for the B2N.
“It’s good that progress is being made,” he said.
“For commuters, the big benefit of B2N is reliability and travel time saving.
“Some services currently have long buffers in the timetable due to the single-track section, especially off-peak on weekends. Higher speeds and improved capacity should hopefully shave some time off the commute.
“One of the ideal benefits of the project is the opportunity for Translink and QR to finally deliver long-promised improvements to service frequency on the Sunshine Coast line.
“Corridor realignment and level crossing removal are also welcome for rail and road users alike.”
But he said train passengers and motorists on impacted roads should be well informed and catered to during the project.
“The priority as construction progresses should be minimal disruption to commuters,” he said.
“There needs to be a renewed effort from TMR to make appropriate arrangements for commuters.”
He also said more could be done as part of the B2N.
“There are plenty of opportunities for more improvements,” he said.
Mr Jago said a full rail duplication to Nambour would be “very helpful.”
“It would be good if the Nambour section could follow on from (construction of) The Wave, allowing personnel to move from one project to the next.
“Future work could (also) support significant service improvements all the way to Gympie.
“Full duplication isn’t always necessary north of Nambour but longer passing loops are, to allow for longer freight trains and to improve overall reliability.
“A big goal here is to get more long-distance freight off the Bruce and back on rail.”
Transport officials haven’t confirmed what the future holds for the section of line north of Beerwah, despite telling a community group they must move from their base by the railway tracks.
