Cross River Rail
Cross River Rail (previously phase 1 of the Inner City Rail Upgrade Project) will provide a new rail link connecting the Caboolture/North Coast rail line to the Beenleigh/Gold Coast rail line through the inner city by 2016 to help increase the capacity of Brisbane’s rail system. Extra tracks across the river and through the inner city will enable more trains to operate on the region’s rail network, benefiting passengers from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast.
Cross River Rail will aim to provide south east Queensland’s rail passengers with more frequent train services, new destinations and modern facilities. It proposes a more efficient and convenient way of travelling by train with easier, quicker interchanges both between rail services and with other types of transport.
The Commonwealth Government committed A$20 million in its 2009-2010 Budget to progress with planning for Cross River Rail. This phase, which is due to be completed in 2011, will involve technical investigations to determine the preferred corridor, the preparation of an environmental impact statement and extensive community consultation. The project is expected to cost up to A$8.2 billion when completed.
Timeline
| Phase | Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pre-feasibility | mid 2007-late 2008 (complete) |
| 2 | Detailed feasibility | early 2009-mid 2011 (current phase) |
| 3 | Procurement | 2011-2012 |
| 4 | Construction | 2012-2016 |
Background
The South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005-2026 estimates the region’s population will grow from 2.9 million to 4.3 million by 2026. The Queensland Government is planning for south east Queensland’s future rail needs through Cross River Rail.
The South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2008-2026 recognises the limited ability of the existing rail network to meet growing demand. This plan identifies the need for a study of inner city rail capacity, including consideration of a second rail river crossing.
Brisbane’s inner city rail network is the hub of the rail network in south east Queensland, with all services passing through the central business district. By 2016, rail network extensions and service increases will be required to meet demand. The limited capacity of the Merivale Bridge and existing inner Brisbane rail tunnels significantly limit the number of additional trains that can be introduced on the rail lines servicing the region to meet passenger demand.
Phase 1 (complete) — Pre-feasibility (Inner City Rail Capacity Study)
The Inner City Rail Capacity Study, released by the Premier of Queensland, the Honorable Anna Bligh MP, in October 2008 identified that the limited capacity of the inner city’s rail network significantly limits the number of additional trains that can be introduced onto rail lines servicing the region. This capacity needs to be doubled by 2026 to accommodate the number of trains required to meet the forecast passenger demand.
This study assessed the options to expand the inner city rail network as part of an integrated inner city transport network that would support the future expansion of the central business district and inner city. It identified that two new rail links will be required to double the inner city’s rail capacity. The first, Cross River Rail, is proposed to be delivered by 2016 and a future link by 2026.
The study considers underground rail line options as the intensive development in the inner city and the need to cross the Brisbane River limit opportunities to construct above-ground rail lines.
Key findings
The key findings of the Inner City Rail Capacity Study are:
- passenger demand in peak periods to the inner city is forecast to increase from more than 44 000 in 2006 to 70 000-80 000 by 2016 and 105 000-130 000 by 2026
- to support the forecast passenger demand and the consequential increase in train services, the inner city’s rail track capacity needs to be doubled by 2026
- two new rail links will be required to double the inner city’s rail capacity, the first by 2016 and the second by 2026
- the first of these new rail links is expected to cost up to A$8.2 billion in 2008 dollars, and will connect the northern (Caboolture/North Coast) rail line to the southern (Beenleigh/Gold Coast) rail line
- the second of these new rail links is expected to cost up to A$6 billion in 2008 dollars, and will connect the northern (Caboolture/North Coast) and western (Ipswich) rail lines.
Three corridor options for each of the two new rail links were identified, with further investigations required to select the preferred corridor for each (see maps).
Maps of proposed corridor options
Phase 2 — Detailed feasibility (current)
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is preparing to start the detailed feasibility phase of the project. This planning phase, due to be completed in mid-2011, will involve technical investigations to determine the preferred corridor, the preparation of an environmental impact statement and extensive community consultation. The detailed feasibility phase of Cross River Rail is intended to identify, assess and further develop the options for the future development
The department will form an integrated project team to deliver this phase of the project and technical specialists and consultants will be invited to offer their services in the next few months. Invitations to offer and details about an industry briefing will be advertised through newspapers and the project website closer to the time. Please check the website for updates.
Community consultation
Community consultation will be a valuable part of the detailed feasibility phase of Cross River Rail. Timeframes and activities will be added to the website as soon as they are available.
Cross River Rail publications
All documents relating to the project can be found on the publications page.
Media
12 May 2009 — Cross River Rail key to city’s transport future (Minister for Transport)
7 Oct 2008 — Inner city rail plan to increase capacity (Premier and Minister for Transport)
For more information
For more information contact the project team:
Phone: 1800 462 730r
Email: crossriverrail@transport.qld.gov.au
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Last updated 03 June 2009
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