Queensland Rail has launched a customer engagement process to gather input into the design of alternative travel options, as several stations are temporarily closed for significant accessibility upgrades. The upgrades, for which nearly $300 million has been allocated in this year's budget as part of the Palaszczuk Government's Big Build, will focus on five stations, including Lindum, Morningside and Banyo stations.
Buranda Station will receive a major accessibility upgrade, estimated at $70 million, which will include raised platforms to reduce the gap between the platform and the train door for safer and easier boarding. Other improvements will include lift access to the station's flyovers, improved customer facilities, disability-friendly ticket counters, improved seating, extended platform shelters, hearing amplification loops, tactile floor indicators, wayfinding signage, information screens and enhanced security through CCTV and lighting upgrades.
To expedite the upgrades, stations will be temporarily closed during construction. Queensland Rail is seeking customer input through a survey to understand travel patterns and provide the best support during the station upgrades, which are scheduled to begin in January next year. Laing O'Rourke has been awarded the construction contract for major works at Morningside, Banyo, Buranda and Lindum stations.
Construction has commenced at Lindum and Buranda stations, with site preparation to follow in the coming months. At Morningside station, geotechnical activities and catenary and service location works are underway. At Banyo station, survey and platform works are underway, including the removal of a heritage shelter on platform 1.
Customers can expect Lindum, Morningside and Banyo stations to reopen in the second half of 2024, subject to construction and weather conditions, while Buranda station is expected to be ready for customers by mid-2025. These upgrades are part of a wider rail revolution in South East Queensland, in line with projects such as Cross River Rail and preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Customers can fill in the survey here.