Major works to begin in the new year on six QLD Rail station upgrades

Construction on major accessibility upgrades to six rail stations in Queensland will soon get underway as part of Queensland Rail’s biggest station revamp program to date. 

The accessibility upgrades to Morningside, Lindum, Banyo, Buranda, Bundamba and Burpengary stations will deliver a modern and accessible public transport network. 

Key features of the station upgrades include: 

• A new footbridge with lift access 
• Improved accessible parking, including kiss ‘n’ ride area (not all stations) 
• Full length high-level platforms 
• Upgraded hearing augmentation loops and tactile ground surface indicators 
• Upgraded security cameras and lighting 
• New wayfinding and platform signage 
• Accessible toilets 
• Disability-compliant ticket windows 
• Upgraded bicycle storage facility 
• Improved seating and extended platform shelters 
• Upgraded or new station office and facilities 

“We’re building big when it comes to rail in Queensland because we are committed to accessible transport for all. 

“By the end of next year five of these stations will be back open and better than ever for all customers – with lifts, raised platforms, overpasses and other life changing accessibility features. 

“Rebuilding six stations in one go is the biggest station upgrade project Queensland Rail has ever undertaken; our Big Build is ensuring them a modern, accessible public transport network for all. 

“We’re ‘shovel ready’ for the major transformation in the new year. I look forward to seeing these stations transform,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said. 

The stations will be temporarily closed while works are being carried out and station customers are encouraged to plan their travels in advance. Buranda and Bundamba stations will close starting 8 January 2024 and the remaining station will close from 22 January. 

Queensland Rail and Translink will establish alternative transport solutions to replace rail services while the accessibility upgrades are ongoing. Following an extensive community consultation and customer feedback process, the alternative transport arrangements will now include shuttle buses between stations, a new pedestrian shared path to Bindha station for Banyo station customers and bus stops to cater for nearby schools. 

“We listened to our customers when they told us how we can best keep them moving during the upgrade so we’re urging them to familiarise with the alternative transport plan they help develop. 

“Dedicated shuttle buses to nearby stations will run and we’ve even opened a new walkway to make it easier for customers on the northside to reach Bindha station. 

“We’re already hard at work on the stations of the future with all the modern accessibility standards the community expects. 

“By closing the stations temporarily, our contractors can hit the ground running with those major works and main construction can kick off safely and efficiently. 

“When complete, customers can look forward to incredible upgraded stations across South East Queensland from accessible drop off points, to lifts and platforms closer to the trains – making the whole experience of catching public transport easier. 

“Paralympian, gold medalist and world record holder Vanessa Low OAM toured both the Bundamba upgrade and the recently completed Auchenflower station,” Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said. 

Queensland Rail is partnering with Hutchinson Builders and Laing O’Rourke to deliver these vital accessibility upgrades. 

Early works are already well underway to pave the way for the contractors to begin major construction activities once station closures begin in January 2024. 

At Morningside station, a site compound is now up while overhead line works as well as vegetation removal, geotechnical works and installation of safety barriers commences. 

Establishment of a site compound along with vegetation works, site surveys and geotechnical works have also begun at Lindum station. Meanwhile, vegetation works and the installation of safety barriers are being carried out at Buranda station; and the safe relocation of a heritage shelter, minor works and vegetation removal have occurred at Banyo station. 

In addition to works on these Queensland Rail stations, accessibility upgrades are also being delivered as part of Cross River Rail, including at the recently reopened Yeronga and Fairfield stations. Works at Dutton Park, Yeerongpilly and Rocklea, on the other hand, are progressing well and works will follow at Salisbury and Moorooka stations. 

“We now have the chance to get this right and make sure that we are open to a diverse society, and I think transport is a really important aspect of that. 

“It’s not just for a person in a wheelchair, it’s for the young mum, it’s for the people that are coming from the airport, just wanting to go home. 

“It sends out a message that everyone is welcome, Queensland Rail is going to do an amazing job,” Paralympian Vanessa Low OAM said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Rail (1, 2); Roads & Infrastructure Australia