Clean up continues – road, rail and a look ahead

Progress has been made on the road and railway, as the clean-up from the South East rain bomb gets underway.

Praising crews on the ground, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said more roads were open today thanks to Transport and Main Roads.

“Today, we were able to reopen the Bruce Highway at Gympie, the Warrego Highway, the Centenary Bridge at Jindalee and the D’Aguilar Highway – allowing locals to move around their communities for essential reasons,” Mr Bailey said.

“With the flood disaster creeping south, we still have a number of roads closed in the Logan, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast areas, including M1 Exit 38 at Yatala.  

“It’s important that people continue to avoid the roads unless necessary, despite the rain easing, as we assess the damage, clean up debris and complete repairs as quickly as possible.

“My thoughts go out to all those in the Northern Rivers region who are now going through this unprecedented rain event.”

Mr Bailey said public transport services would continue to be disrupted as the week continues, particularly on the Queensland Rail network.

“As waters continue to recede, we are uncovering extreme damage to the rail line in a number of locations spanning from Ipswich, to Beenleigh, Toombul and Murarrie,” he said.

“Areas like Holmview and Goodna are still underwater so we won’t be able to resume operations until the full extent of damage to the track, signalling system and overhead wiring is known.

“Queensland Rails services will not be operational tomorrow, and we’ll know more about what a return to service looks like once detailed recovery plans have been outlined. 

“There has, however, been extensive damage to the network.

“This includes land slippage and damage to at least ten stations with a large number of stations still inaccessible.

“We will not compromise on safety, so I ask our regular rail commuters to be patient while we repair the lines.”

Mr Bailey said bus services tomorrow would be similar to today (Tuesday), with operators continuing to run a reduced timetable.

Parents are also being urged to check in with their schools and bus services providers about what services will be offered tomorrow, as many South East Queensland schools re-open.

Mr Bailey said many local road closures remain in places, limiting route options, and staff numbers have been impacted.

“We’ve managed to re-open most of the major roads across South East Queensland but there are still hundreds of local road closures in place,” Mr Bailey said.

“Because of this, in many cases buses won’t be able to take their normal route, or may not be able to run in some areas.

“We also know driver numbers have been impacted as some drivers are unable to get to work due to flood waters.

“Because of this, my advice to all parents is to check with their bus service provider, and for commuters to keep up to date via the TransLink app.”

For up to date road closure information, please visit http://www.QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au/

For transport information and journey planning, please visit http://www.translink.com.au/

Summary of public transport impacts at 4pm Tuesday, March 1:

• SEQ train network suspended 
• Gold Coast light rail operating as normal
• Brisbane City Council bus services will run a limited number of routes to a Saturday timetable
• Hornibrook bus services will operate tomorrow with disruptions
• Caboolture Bus Lines will operate tomorrow with disruptions
• Kangaroo bus services will operate tomorrow with disruptions
• Mount Gravatt Coaches will operate tomorrow with disruptions
• Sunbus Sunshine Coast will operate tomorrow with disruptions
• Thompsons bus services will operate tomorrow with disruptions
• Westside bus services will operate some urban services with disruptions tomorrow and no school services
• Surfside Gold Coast will operate tomorrow with disruptions
• Clarks Logan City will operate urban services tomorrow with disruptions and with limited school services
• CDC Sunshine Coast will operate school services tomorrow with disruptions
• Brisbane Bus Lines will operate tomorrow with disruptions
• Park Ridge Transit will operate most urban services tomorrow with disruptions and with limited school services
• Transdev Redlands bus services will operate tomorrow with disruptions
• Logan Coaches suspended
• Lockyer Valley bus services suspended

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Courtney Thompson - 0433 585 570