The Wide Bay rail network in Queensland is up for an upgrade, with approximately $33.8 million invested to get two projects underway. These projects will support the growing number of people using Bundaberg station - Queensland Rail’s most popular station.
According to Minister for transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey, upgrades have already commenced under this investment, including a $21.8 million signalling upgrade in Bundaberg as well as a $12 million upgrade on the Burnett River rail bridge.
“With three long distance trains servicing the station - the Spirit of Queensland, Spirit of the Outback, and Tilt Train - and more than 91,000 visitors in 2017, there is no doubt that Bundaberg station is Queensland’s most popular regional train station.
“Through our $21.8 million project to boost rail reliability and safety in the region, the existing signalling systems at Bundaberg and Bundaberg North - which are designed to ensure safe train movements - will be replaced with a system that is easier to maintain,” Mr Bailey said.
Works in Bundaberg will include installation of a new power equipment room near Bundaberg station and it will feature a new generator that will be able to provide back-up power supply during an unplanned power trip such as during severe storms.
As part of the $21.8 million project, works are already underway on renewing the rail signalling between the Kolan / Mount Perry and Thabeban Road level crossings. Works to upgrade rail signalling at Walker Street level crossing is expected to commence in September 2018 and it will include installing active pedestrian gates, flashing lights and new track infrastructure at the crossing.
In addition, rail signalling at Hanbury Street level crossing will also be included in the project - works set to begin next year - as well as installation of a new pedestrian crossing at Perry Street, which Queensland Rail is working on to finalise with the local council.
Works are also underway on the $12 million project that will upgrade a vital piece of infrastructure on the North Coast railway line - the Burnett River rail bridge.
“Crews have completed sandblasting, with the bridge piers and structural rehabilitation works currently being painted.
“The project will reinforce the bridge’s cast iron piers to ensure the 120-year-old structure remains safe and durable well into the future,” Mr Bailey said.
For the Burnett River rail bridge upgrade, Canstruct has been appointed to deliver the project in addition to the upgrades on the Kolan and Boyne River bridges which are due to begin later this year. Canstruct will be sourcing for building materials as well as plant hire from local suppliers whenever possible.
The resignalling project in Bundaberg is expected to be commissioned by August 2019 and the upgrade on the Burnett River rail bridge is projected to be completed by mid-2018.
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Source: Queensland Government