Rail services around South-East Queensland, including along the Sunshine Coast line, will be significantly impacted in coming weeks, amid upgrades and work on major projects.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads issued a media statement advising locals and visitors to plan their journeys in advance, ahead of closures on March 16 and 17 and between April 3 and 26.
“These track closures will allow critical works on multiple major projects to be undertaken safely and efficiently in the rail corridor, as we work to build a better rail network,” the group stated.
“Most train lines will be impacted at some stage during the period and replacement buses will keep customers moving.
“These works are all part of a once-in-a-generation transformation to South-East Queensland’s rail network to support our growing population.”
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The closures are required for projects including Cross River Rail supporting works; Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1; Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail; Loganlea Station Relocation; Queensland Train Manufacturing Program; European Train Control System (ETCS); and general track maintenance.
The track will be closed between Landsborough and Caboolture stations on the Sunshine Coast line on March 16-17, to allow upgrade works to be undertaken safely. Buses will replace trains during the closure.
Closures will also affect the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Redcliffe, Doomben, Shorncliffe, Airport, Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines from April 3 to 11. Closures will continue on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines from April 12 to 26.
Additional buses will be available.
“NRL and AFL fans attending games during the track closures are urged to plan ahead and allow additional travel time,” TMR stated.
“These include the Titans-Broncos game at Cbus Super Stadium on April 4 and Broncos-Cowboys game at Suncorp Stadium on April 10.”
Acting head of Translink Dean Helm said the works were part of a wider transformation of South-East Queensland’s rail network.
“These track closures allow important work to be undertaken on a number of projects that are critical to building a better rail network,” he said.
“We understand extended track closures can be an inconvenience to customers. This is why we have coordinated work across multiple projects to be undertaken at the same time to help minimise the period of the disruption.
“While there is never a good time for track closures, conducting this work over the school holiday period reduces the impact as less customers travel on the network at this time.”
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority CEO Graeme Newton said crews would make the most of the opportunity to work safely and efficiently in the rail corridor without trains running.
“These works are being carried out as part of the Delivery Authority’s wider scope beyond the new underground tunnels and stations and are just one part of the broader transformation to build a better rail network, alongside projects like The Wave on the Sunshine Coast and Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail,” he said.
