Track closures in December and January for crucial Cross River Rail works

• Extensive Cross River Rail works over quieter December and January period.
• All train lines to experience changes to services at one time or another between 23 December and 18 January.
• Plenty of alternative travel options available including rail replacement buses, with customers encouraged to allow extra travel time and plan journeys in advance.

Cross River Rail crews are preparing for one of their biggest operations yet with track closures and transport changes required from late December and then into January, to allow for critical works on the transformational project.

The track closures - taking place from 23 December 2023 until 18 January 2024 - will see all train lines on the SEQ rail network impacted at different stages.

The works will involve continuous intensive effort across multiple work sites to undertake substantial infrastructure works critical to Cross River Rail’s completion, and will include track reconfigurations, tunnel portal works, accessibility upgrades to the stations between Dutton Park and Salisbury and track as well as civil works between Bowen Hills and Albion.

The nature of the work means that track closures are unavoidable and closed tracks also mean that the works can take place safely and efficiently within the rail corridor.

During the closures, there will be plenty of alternative transport options available, including replacement rail buses, and customers are encouraged to allow extra travel time and plan their journey before travelling.

A temporary road-to-rail transfer facility has also been built to ensure critical intermodal freight can continue to be transported to and from Brisbane.

The track closures end on Thursday January 18 with services returning to a regular timetable from first service on Friday 19 January 2024.

For more information about upcoming works and disruptions, visit Cross River Rail’s Travel Checker.

To plan your journey in advance, download the MyTranslink app, visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

The important works throughout December and January follow a road upgrade at the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) Wulkuraka Depot, that will enable the delivery of onboard upgrades to the entire NGR fleet, and allow trains to operate on the Cross River Rail line

The NGR onboard upgrades to be fitted include:

• European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2
• Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and
• Platform Screen Doors

These upgrades will be delivered in time for the start of services on the Cross River Rail infrastructure.

Quotes attributed to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

“Cross River Rail will transform how we travel across South East Queensland in the future – but construction now does mean impacts to train services.

“Different tracks will need to close on different days from 23 December to 18 January, to allow for important Cross River Rail works, which will be critical to integrate the megaproject into the wider network and improve accessibility.

“While trains won’t be able to operate across some parts of the network to ensure works can be carried out safely and efficiently, the works have been scheduled during the traditionally quieter December and January period to minimise impacts.

“However, we do know that some people will be affected, and we appreciate your patience while these important works are carried out.

“I’d also like to thank the hundreds of workers who will be delivering these works over the holiday period.

Quotes attributed to Cross River Rail CEO Graeme Newton:

“There is a huge scope of works including track realignments, raising tracks and signalling works.

“There will be plenty of accessibility improvements completed at several stations as well, including 45 tonnes of new overpass sections lifted into place at Dutton Park, installation of stairs and a lifts, and rubber fingers installed at Rocklea, that will reduce the gap between the train and platform.

“This is all critical work that requires continuous and intensive effort over a prolonged period of time in the rail corridor.

“We thank customers for their patience to allow this work to be completed safely and efficiently in the rail corridor.

Quotes attributed to Acting Head of Translink Peter Milward:

“There will be plenty of alternative transport arrangements available to get you where you need to be.

“You’ll be able to catch express and all stop alternative transport services to get you to and from work or the airport

“There will be additional bus and train services on New Year’s Eve, alternative travel options on Christmas Day and special event buses for the Brisbane International tennis event. 

“We encourage you to consider your travel options, plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

“To plan your journey, download the MyTranslink app, visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

Track closure stages (23 December 2023 – 18 January 2024)

• Stage 1 (Saturday 23 December): Impacts inner city stations, and Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines.
• Stage 2 (Sunday 24 – Tuesday 26 December): Impacts to Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Doomben, Airport, Shorncliffe, Sunshine Coast/Caboolture and Redcliffe Peninsula lines.
• Stage 3 (Wednesday 27 – Friday 29 December): Impacts inner city stations, and Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Doomben, Airport, Shorncliffe, Sunshine Coast/Caboolture and Redcliffe Peninsula lines.
• Stage 4 (Saturday 30 December): Impacts Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Doomben, Airport, Sunshine Coast/Caboolture, Shorncliffe and Redcliffe Peninsula lines.
• Stage 5 (Sunday 31 December and Monday 1 January): Impacts to Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines.
• Stage 6 & 8 (Tuesday 2 – Friday 5 January and Monday 8 – Friday 12 January): Impacts to Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Doomben, Airport, Shorncliffe, Sunshine Coast/Caboolture and Redcliffe Peninsula lines.
• Stage 7 & 9 (Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 January and Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 January): Impacts to Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Doomben, Airport, Sunshine Coast/Caboolture, Shorncliffe and Redcliffe Peninsula. 
• Stage 10 (Monday 15 – Thursday 18 January): Impacts to Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Minister Mark Bailey – Lesley Major – 0419 288 284

Translink – Andrew Christie – 0472 863274

Queensland Rail – Tara Fernandez – 0409 688 275

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority – Nathan Paull - 0400 712 976

Assets:

Timelapse, animations and overlay of track works at link here