Queensland rail track closures hit key lines in April

Queensland rail track closures will affect multiple lines between April 3 and April 26. Work will continue across the state’s rail network during that period.

Queensland rail track closures across South East Queensland

From April 3 to April 11, closures will affect these lines:

• Sunshine Coast
• Caboolture
• Redcliffe
• Doomben
• Shorncliffe
• Airport
• Gold Coast
• Beenleigh

Meanwhile, from April 12 to April 26, the closures will remain in place only on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines.

According to Queensland Rail, the shutdowns are needed so work can be carried out “safely and efficiently” within the rail corridor. At the same time, the operator described the programme as part of a “once-in-a-generation transformation to South East Queensland’s rail network”.

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Cross River Rail and other projects during the closures

The works planned during the closure period cover:

• Cross River Rail
• the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1
• Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail
• the Loganlea Station Relocation
• the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program
• the European Train Control System
• general track maintenance

In addition, supporting works tied to Cross River Rail will include the removal and installation of track and overhead line equipment near the Mayne Yard stabling facility. Also, crews will carry out platform demolition at Moorooka Station. Separately, they will complete testing and commissioning at the new Hope Island Station on the Gold Coast.

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Chief Executive Officer Graeme Newton said teams would use the shutdown to work safely and efficiently in the rail corridor without train services operating. “These works are being carried out as part of the Delivery Authority’s wider scope beyond the new underground tunnels and stations and are just one part of the broader transformation to build a better rail network, alongside projects like The Wave on the Sunshine Coast and Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail.”

Replacement buses on Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines and beyond

Rail replacement buses will operate on all affected routes throughout the closure period. For example, additional buses will be available, including express and all-stops rail buses, as well as regular bus services.

Still, Acting Head of Translink Dean Helm called on Queenslanders to organise their journeys ahead of time. “Consider your transport options, and allow plenty of travel time,” he said.

“We understand extended track closures can be an inconvenience to customers. This is why we have coordinated work across multiple projects to be undertaken at the same time to help minimise the period of the disruption.

“While there is never a good time for track closures, conducting this work over the school holiday period reduces the impact as less customers travel on the network at this time.”

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