Multimillion-dollar accessibility upgrades to Queensland’s Auchenflower station are now complete, including a brand-new pedestrian overpass across the rail corridor, a new footbridge with lift access and partially raised platforms.
Queensland Minister of Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said finishing the Auchenflower upgrade is a massive milestone for the $500 million station accessibility upgrade program.
“Whether you’re in a wheelchair, pushing a pram or carrying luggage, this upgraded station will be much easier for you to use. I’m sure the growing Auchenflower community will love their new station,” Mr Bailey said.
The new and improved station comes as part of the Queensland Government’s over $7.1 billion investment in rail over the next four years.
Member for Cooper, Jonty Bush, said workers had delivered a range of improvements, including accessibility additions for hearing and vision impaired customers.
“We know how important Auchenflower station is for people going to and from Wesley, so it’s great to see these upgrades have been finished,” Ms Bush said.
The upgrades include a new station building and ticket office, more shelter, and improved security cameras and lighting. All platforms are accessible by lifts and stairs, the hearing augmentation loop has been upgraded and improved car park accessibility, making the station easier for all Queenslanders to use the station.
The upgrades form part of the Queensland Government’s nearly $3.9 billion four-year transport and roads plan for Brisbane while supporting 3,280 local jobs.
Ms Bush said the works were a long-term investment in community infrastructure.
“There have been road closures, night works and noise but all these annoyances come part and parcel with improvement works of this scale,” Ms Bush said.
“At the end of the day the results have been outstanding, and I thank the community for their patience as we rolled up our sleeves and got the job done.”
Queensland Rail CEO, Kat Stapleton, said the finishing touches were put on the station this month.
“We’ve delivered a life changing accessibility upgrade which means more Queenslanders are able to catch more trains and we’re proud to see Auchenflower come to life,” Ms Stapleton said.
“This station is one of our busiest hubs, with just under half a million passenger trips passing through each year.
“Our goal is to provide a world class railway, and by integrating active travel options with these much-needed accessibility upgrades, we’re on track to deliver that for our customers.”
Those using multiple modes of transport have been catered for with new bicycle facilities with bike storage, better drop off points and upgrades to the car park.
“We’re building the public transport system to complement our active lifestyle – it’s how our customers want to travel,” Ms Stapleton said.
Ms Stapleton is praising the local community for their patience during the construction process.
“These accessibility upgrades mean we’re helping everyone catch public transport,” Ms Stapleton said.
Queensland Rail has also recently completed major upgrades of East Ipswich, Dakabin and Cannon Hill stations as part of its ongoing Station Accessibility Upgrade Program.
Next in line for upgrades are Banyo, Bundamba, Burpengary, Lindum and Morningside stations, with major works expected to commence later 2023.
The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority is also delivering fully accessible stations at the new Exhibition Station as well as from Dutton Park to Salisbury on the Beenleigh line.
“We’re not just building Cross River Rail, we’re building a new network,” Mr Bailey said.
