Customers who use Buranda and Bundamba train stations are reminded to plan their travel in advance, with the stations temporary closing from Monday, January 8, as the biggest ever Queensland Rail accessibility upgrade program goes full steam ahead.
Burpengary, Banyo, Lindum and Morningside stations will also close on Monday, January 22, for major construction, which will deliver life-changing accessibility upgrades for the community.
Buses will keep customers moving to nearby stations, while a path has been constructed to improve access to Bindha station for Banyo customers, and new bus stops are in place to cater for back-to-school students when the first term of the school year commences.
When completed, the stations will have lifts, overpasses and fully raised platforms to reduce the gap, making boarding the train safer and easier for all customers, so rolling a pram, wheelchair or luggage on to the carriage will be simple and bringing them in line with what is expected of public transport infrastructure in the modern world.
The temporary closures mean the major construction can go ahead safely and efficiently and will result in the stations reopening sooner following their transformation.
Progress is well underway at the sites with lift shafts installed at Burpengary and the old underpass at Bundamba filled in and ready for the next stage of works.
The Wynnum Road ramp at Morningside is due to come down by the end of the month and preparatory works at Lindum’s northern carpark will soon get underway.
At Buranda, the old wooden overpass will be demolished next week and at Banyo demolition works near the existing footbridge will begin in coming weeks.
The stations are expected to reopen to the public in the second half of this year, with Buranda to open in 2025.
Alternative bus services will operate during the closures, Customers are urged to allow some extra travel time and to check their travel routes by downloading the MyTranslink app, visiting translink.com.au or calling 13 12 30.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said the upgrades would make a difference to customers and ensure everyone catching the train could travel with ease.
“But that means there will be impacts to travel and transport services during the vital construction phase,” he said.
“By closing the stations temporarily we’re able to get the job done safely and efficiently, meaning we’ll be reopening the upgraded stations sooner, complete with lifts, raised platforms, overpasses and other accessibility features.
“Alternative transport is in place for customers, so we’re urging everyone to jump online and use the Translink Journey Planner to plot out their commute to work, school and play.”
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the operator was committed to keeping customers moving while it completed its biggest upgrade program ever, bringing these six stations more into the modern era.
“Our alternative transport plan includes dedicated bus services to nearby stations and school stops for students returning to classes,” she said.
“Plan your travel in advance so you’re prepared and can get back to work and school in 2024 with as little disruption as possible.
“We appreciate there will be some inconvenience, but closing the stations is the safest and most efficient way to build, ensuring customers will soon be returning to excellent, accessible trains stations once reopened.”
Queensland Rail upgrade details
- The SAUP projects that are being delivered at Lindum, Morningside, Banyo, Buranda, Bundamba and Burpengary stations are the largest number of stations Queensland Rail has delivered simultaneously.
- All new station accessibility upgrades will feature new lift-accessible footbridges, fully raised full-length platforms and extended platform shelters.
- Other improvements include upgraded customer facilities like accessible toilets, disability-compliant ticket windows and improved seating.
- Also being installed are hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, new wayfinding signage, information screens and better security through CCTV and lighting upgrades.
- Active transport enclosures are being provided to enable customers to ride to and safely store their bicycles or scooters at the Tranche 4 stations.
- Since 2017, Queensland Rail has completed 12 full station upgrades including at Alderley, Newmarket, Graceville, Nambour, Dinmore, Morayfield, Boondall, Strathpine, East Ipswich, Dakabin, Cannon Hill and Auchenflower. South Bank Platform 1 was also completed in November 2022.
- As well as the Station Accessibility Upgrade Program, accessibility upgrades are included as part of the Cross River Rail rebuilds of Dutton Park, Yeronga, Moorooka, Salisbury, Fairfield, Yeerongpilly, Rocklea and Exhibition stations. In addition, the new stations being delivered as part of Cross River Rail will also meet passenger accessibility requirements. These stations include Boggo Road, Albert Street, Woolloongabba, Pimpama, Hope Island, Merrimac and Underground Roma Street.
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