Construction ramps up on new year-round Ekka Station in QLD

Queensland is close to having a 365-day-a-year Ekka Station as works progress on the Cross River Rail project. 

Construction is now ramping up to build the new Exhibition (Ekka) Station and surrounding precinct. The old Ekka station building and platforms have already been demolished and tracks have been recently installed over a 150-metre-long bridge that forms part of the new station. 

Due to the demolition of the old Ekka Station, it will not be operational during this year’s Ekka celebrations. In its place, alternative transport options are going to be provided, including trains and buses from nearby stations and stops as well as additional shuttle services. 

“We know how much Queenslanders love the Ekka, so there will be plenty of other public transport options available. 

“We want to make sure people can get to the Ekka safely and easily to enjoy their strawberry sundaes, woodchopping competitions, carnival rides and everything else that makes this iconic event so great. 

“And in the future, people can look forward to a brand-new station that will benefit nearby residents and businesses, visitors and staff at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the thousands of people who visit the Ekka, the Convention Centre and nearby bars and restaurants,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Special services for passengers who have accessibility needs will also be provided during this time. 

For more information on the alternative transport options, you can visit the Translink website here. 

“Rest assured, there will be plenty of ways to catch a ride to the Ekka on public transport. 

“As well as trains, there will be several bus options for Ekka goers. 

“You will also be able to catch high-frequency buses to and from nearby stops such as Herston station, and a dedicated Ekka shuttle will run between Woolloongaba and Herston stations. 

“We are working with our bus delivery partners to finalise operations and specific information to ensure you can plan your travel will be available in advance of the Ekka,” Head of Translink Sally Stannard said. 

The new Exhibition Station is being built between the Brisbane (RNA) Showgrounds and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. 

The new station will feature: 

• Pedestrian link between the station to Bowen Bridge Road, and future provision for links to O’Connell Terrace and Gregory Terrace 
• 165-metre-long island platform with future provision for extending to nine-car trains 
• Design that includes vertical transport solutions to improve accessibility, movement, connectivity and safety around the stations for all customers 

“We’re working closely with Queensland Rail, Translink and the RNA to ensure people can get to and from the Ekka as seamlessly as possible using nearby train stations, bus stops and additional shuttle services. 

“Meanwhile, works are progressing really well – with the old station building and platforms demolished and 1.2 kilometres of new tracks laid, works are underway on the second rail bridge that will form part of the station building. 

“Over coming months, we will see critical steel supports installed for the new station building followed by works on the new station itself, including lifts,” Cross River Rail Delivery Authority CEO Graeme Newton said. 

Ekka Station precinct (source: Cross River Rail)

The Cross River Rail project will deliver a new 10.2-kilometre rail line that runs from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills. The project will include building a 5.9-kilometre twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and the CBD along with new and upgraded stations across the corridor. 

The new and upgraded stations include: 

• Four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street 
• Two upgraded stations at Dutton Park and Exhibition 
• Six upgraded stations from Salisbury to Fairfield on Brisbane’s Southside 
• Three new stations on the Gold Coast 

“Public transport is one of the most popular ways to get to the Ekka, which is Queensland’s largest and most loved annual event, so we’re pleased the message is getting our now well in advance. 

“We want our valued Ekka patrons to know that you can still catch the train to the Show from nearby stations or take advantage of high frequency bus services dropping off at neighbouring stops. 

“While we would have liked the station to be operational this year, we understand the important work currently underway ad thank Cross River Rail, Translink and Queensland Rail for working with us to ensure multiple public transport options are available for this year’s Ekka. 

“We look forward to the new station opening in the future and the immense benefits it will bring to the Brisbane Showgrounds, the events sector, the community and surrounding precinct,” RNA CEO Brendan Christou said. 

Major construction on Cross River Rail is expected to be completed in 2025 and operations are anticipated to commence in 2026. 

Over its five-year construction phase, Cross River Rail is estimated to create an average of 1,500 jobs annually, with up to 3,000 jobs at peak construction period. In addition, the project will generate around 450 opportunities for trainees and apprentices. 

“Catching a train will still be a great way to get to the Ekka. 

“Trains will run to and from nearby stations, such as Fortitude Valley, which are a short walk to the event. 

“Our friendly Queensland Rail staff will be on hand at stations to assist customers with any questions to make sure everyone gets to enjoy that special time of year when the country comes to the city,” Queensland Rail Head of South East Queensland Scott Riedel said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Cross River Rail (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine