Reminder to plan ahead for crucial Cross River Rail track closures

• 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.

Assets - Timelapse, animations and overlay of track works at link here

South East Queenslanders are being reminded to plan their travel ahead from tomorrow until mid-January, with track closures in place to allow for crucial Cross River Rail works.

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.

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.

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

The works during the closure period involve continuous intensive effort across multiple work sites to undertake substantial infrastructure works critical to Cross River Rail’s completion.

These 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.

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.

Quotes attributed to Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

“Cross River Rail will be an absolute game-changer for how we get around in the future, but building it does mean there are some impacts now.

“The works taking place from tomorrow (23 December) until 18 January are critical to integrate this transformational project in the wider network.

“Works have been deliberately scheduled during the quieter December to January period to minimise impacts as tracks will need to close to ensure works can be carried out safely and efficiently.

“Thank you to everyone for their patience, and thank you to the roughly 500 workers who will be giving up time with family and loved ones over the holiday period to deliver these important works.”

Quotes attributed to Acting Head of Translink Peter Milward:

“We understand the importance of public transport and that is why there will be a number of alternative transport arrangements available to ensure customers can travel safely during this period.

“There will be express and all-stop rail replacement buses to ensure all train stations are still well serviced.

“The most important thing is customers plan their journey in advance so they know which travel option best suits their needs.”

Quotes attributed to Cross River Rail CEO Graeme Newton:

“There is a huge amount of critical works over December and January that need to take place within the rail corridor.

“Some of the key work to take place includes raising tracks to help with flood mitigation, accessibility upgrades to stations, and huge feats of engineering that just aren’t possible when trains are running.

“For example, two sections of a pedestrian overpass weighing almost 45 tonnes combines will be lifted over the train tracks.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as this work takes place, which just isn’t possible while trains are running.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Minister Bart Mellish – James Kleeman - 0466 620 176

Translink Media – 0421 581 803

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