Proposed upgrades for a critical section of road leading to Ormeau rail facility

A critical section of Goldmine Road in Ormeau, Queensland will soon be upgraded as part of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP). The State Government and the City of Gold Coast will be partnering to deliver this project. 

The partnership includes the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the City of Gold Coast jointly funding the project's design and construction. 

By combining the Goldmine Road upgrade with the Ormeau rail facility entrance, construction impacts on the nearby school, residents and road users will be minimised. This is the result of feedback received from the community about the need to minimise the impact of the rail facility on Goldmine Road. 

“The Miles Government is proud to deliver the QTMP; a program that is bringing train manufacturing back to Queensland. 

“In late 2023 we asked people for their insights and feedback on the Ormeau rail facility concept design and minimising the impact on Goldmine Road was the most common feedback we heard. 

“We are proud to partner with the City of Gold Coast to deliver this upgrade, which will improve safety for all road users in the local area. 

“The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is creating local jobs right here, right now and will continue to benefit our community,” Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said. 

Early design features for the Goldmine Road upgrade include: 

• Widening the existing lanes (adjacent to the City of Gold Coast’s upgrade at Lahrs Road) 

• Laying new asphalt to replace the existing surface 

• Improving flood immunity including installing kerb and channel and new drainage 

• Installing off-road shared user paths to improve active transport options 

• Creating a new intersection for the rail facility entrance, with dedicated turning lanes into the rail facility to keep through traffic moving 

• Installing dedicated pedestrian crossings at the rail facility entrance to improve safety 

The design of the road upgrade and rail facility entrance is in the preliminary stages, with construction on the project expected to begin in late 2025. In addition, traffic assessments are also underway to inform the rail facility entrance design, which includes if the entrance is going to be signalised. 

The Department of Transport and Main Roads will continue to provide the community with updates as the design progresses. 

“We’re doing what matters for the Gold Coast, investing in better roads and public transport. 

“Right across the city, Gold Coasters are seeing the Miles Government deliver the second M1, major M1 upgrades, the next stage of light rail and three new train stations. 

“This new facility will play an important role in the growth of our train fleet and network, all of which will benefit our Gold Coast,” Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said. 

In late August 2024, site investigations will begin to inform the design. This will include survey, ecological studies and asphalt testing. 

The Ormeau rail facility, which is already under construction, is going to be utilised for train maintenance and stabling. This project is part of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program that is expected to support 1,300 jobs throughout the life of the project. 

“The second stage of the Goldmine Road upgrades ensures the fast-growing region is not left behind when it comes to transport. 

“We have listened to the feedback provided by residents and we are committed to ensuring they have the infrastructure they need,” City of Gold Coast Acting Mayor Donna Gates said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine; Australian Manufacturing