Train network impacted by storms

South east Queensland train passengers will experience disruptions over the next few days as a result of storm damage to the rail network.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the damage was widespread with the major disruption in Brisbane CBD where scaffolding from a building site in Fortitude Valley damaged the four tracks and overhead line between Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills stations.

“Repair crews and scaffolding contractors are working around the clock, but at this stage Queensland Rail isn’t expecting repairs to be finished before Wednesday morning, affecting all services tomorrow,” Mr Emerson said. 

“No services will be operating to Central, Fortitude Valley or Bowen Hills stations before Wednesday morning at this stage and even then it will be limited by only two of four tracks being open.

“Passengers planning to use trains to the CBD tomorrow should carefully consider their options.”

Passengers travelling to Brisbane CBD should wherever possible:

·         Avoid travelling during morning and afternoon peaks

·         Allow additional travel time

·         Use alternative transport

Mr Emerson said up to 40,000 passengers usually used Central, Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills stations during peak times.

“There are unlikely to be sufficient buses available in Brisbane to handle the load if all regular train commuters make the journey to the city at the same time tomorrow,” he said.

Services travelling to the city on the Cleveland, Beenleigh and Ipswich lines will terminate at Roma Street while services from the northern lines will terminate at Albion or Roma Street, via the Exhibition loop.

Buses will replace trains between Cleveland and Wellington Point because of a damaged overhead power mast.

The Gold Coast line is also affected, with power line damage at Ormeau meaning no trains operating tomorrow morning between Varsity Lakes and Beenleigh.

Sunshine Coast line services are being replaced by buses, but these are unable to access some of the stations and Gympie North is cut off.

For the latest information on roads visit www.131940.com.au. For public transport go to www.translink.com.au

[ENDS] 28 January 2013

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625