$1bn Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1 marks new project milestone

Detailed designs for Stage 1 of the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail (B2N) Upgrade in Queensland have been unveiled, marking a major milestone on the more than $1 billion project as construction progresses.

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Government, each contributing $616.7 million and $387.5 million respectively.

The rail upgrade is a critical enabler for The Wave and it will complete the missing link of duplicated rail between Beerburrum and Beerwah.

“The (B2N) Upgrade will deliver additional track capacity and service reliability to meet increasing passenger and freight demands. I’m sure locals will be keen to see the designs and welcome the progress on this significant project.

“This vital infrastructure upgrade will expand travel choice and better connect communities in this growing region,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.

“This is excellent progress for the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade, which will support better public transport connections for Sunshine Coast communities and help take pressure off the Bruce Highway.

“Once complete, the upgrade will significantly improve the capacity and reliability of the North Coast Line, supporting more efficient passenger services and stronger freight connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond.

“B2N plays a crucial role in delivering The Wave from Brisbane through to Kawana and on to Maroochydore Airport.

“I’m excited to see work progressing rapidly, and I thank the local community for their valuable feedback and ongoing engagement,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said.

Community feedback gathered in mid-2025 helped shape the detailed designs, which gives locals a clearer picture of how this long-awaited upgrade will transform rail travel as well as freight movement along the North Coast Line.

Main construction works to duplicate the rail line commenced late last year, with earthworks and supporting activities advancing along the corridor as crews construct the foundations for new road and rail infrastructure.

“This major transport project will improve capacity and reliability on the North Coast Line, enabling more efficient travel and improved freight connections for industry.

“For people travelling for a weekend up the coast, or for those commuting from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane for work, this project will deliver faster and easier travel,” Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said.

“The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade is one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the history of the Sunshine Coast and seeing these detailed designs released is a genuinely exciting milestone for our community.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering the generational infrastructure our region deserves, and I encourage every local to take a look at the designs and see what’s coming,” State Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said.

Project map (source: Queensland Government)

Key features this upgrade include:

• Duplication of the North Coast Line between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains on an improved alignment
• Duplication of the North Coast Line between Glass House Mountains and Beerwah following the existing alignment
• Beerburrum Road and Steve Irwin Way intersection upgrade including a new road overpass on Beerburrum Road
• Expansion of the park ‘n’ ride facility on the northern side of Beerburrum Station
• Replacement of the Barrs Road level crossing in Glass House Mountains with a new road overpass connecting Barrs Road to Moffatt Road
• Closure of two private level crossings with alternative access provided
• Replacement of the Burgess Street road-over-rail bridge with a new road overpass

The John Holland Queensland and Seymour Whyte Joint Venture is undertaking the delivery of the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1.

Weather and construction conditions permitting, main construction is expected to be completed in late 2027. Final testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities will follow to ensure the new rail infrastructure is ready to carry passengers in early 2028.

“Sunshine Coast residents have been waiting a long time for a rail network that truly meets the needs of our growing region, and the B2N Rail Upgrade is a critical piece of that puzzle.

“These detailed designs show that this project is real, it’s progressing under the Crisafulli Government, and it’s going to make a genuine difference to the way people move around the Sunshine Coast,” State Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said.

“The B2N Rail Upgrade is about giving Sunshine Coast families a better lifestyle by allowing locals to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time where it matters most.

“The Crisafulli Government, working with the Australian Government, is delivering the generational rail infrastructure the Sunshine Coast has long deserve, and this milestone is proof that we are getting on with the job,” State Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said.

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Infrastructure Magazine