Following the announcement for Burpengary station, Queensland Rail has also announced the beginning of the consultation period for alternative travel options while Bundamba station is temporarily closed for upgrades early next year.
The vital upgrades on Bundamba station are being delivered as part of a $59 million upgrade through the State Government’s Station Accessibility Upgrade Program.
“The improvements we are delivering as part of the Station Accessibility Upgrade Program will make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many train users across the region.
“It’s important we hear directly from you on how we can support you during this temporary closure, so get involved,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said.
Rebuilding the station to modern accessibility standards will involve raising the platforms to make the platform and train door level. This reduces the gap to make boarding trains safer and easier.
Lifts to a station overpass that connects to the station platforms will also be available for customers in wheelchairs, with walking frames, parents with prams and people with luggage.
The overall Bundamba station accessibility upgrade will include:
To allow for the works to be carried out, Bundamba station is going to be temporarily closed from January 2024. In preparation for this closure, Queensland Rail will be consulting with all station users about alternative travel arrangements.
Bus replacements between Booval and Ebbw Vale will be provided according to the regular timetable. But to ensure all customers are covered, Queensland Rail launched a survey directly asking about customers’ travel patterns as well as how best they can be supported during the construction period.
“This major upgrade is great news for our community, and we want it done as quickly and safely as possible.
“Temporarily closing the station in January 2024 will more than halve the project time, and to prepare we want to hear from locals right now on ideas for the best alternative arrangements while the station is closed next year.
“There will be a shuttle bus in place for the duration of the closure, and we welcome all feedback from the community on how we can do this as easily and smoothly as possible.
“I encourage everyone to have their say now and thank locals in advance for their patience as we deliver this important upgrade for our community,” Bundamba MP Lance McCallum said.
Ahead of major works commencing, preparations are ramping with signalling construction, vegetation removal and piling works.
Bundamba station will reopen throughout the second half of 2024, subject to construction and weather conditions.
The projects under the Station Accessibility Upgrade Program, which will support 1250 Queensland jobs, are all part of the rail revolution happening across the South East, with Cross River Rail and 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games preparations underway.
“We want to hear directly from those customers who’ll be affected by these closures so we can work out how best we can support them while their upgrade is progressing from January next year.
“This feedback will be used to ensure there is appropriate alternative transport in place and help us prepare for any extra patronage at surrounding stations.
“We understand this will change the way customers travel for a period of time, but we’re committed to making our rail network accessible for everyone in the long-term.
“We’re delivering for our loyal customers and are committed to a world-class network when Brisbane takes the world stage in 2032,” Queensland Rail Head of SEQ Scott Riedel said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Rail; Rail Express; Infrastructure Magazine