Queensland Rail will temporarily close the Bundamba train station in 2024 for accessibility upgrades as part of the Queensland Government’s $59 million Station Accessibility Upgrade Program.
Since 2017, Queensland Rail has completed twelve full station upgrades to allow for all members of the community to access public transportation.
The $59 million Station Accessibility Upgrade Program projects are all part of the rail redevelopment occurring across South-East Queensland, as well as the preparation of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032, supporting 1,250 Queensland jobs.
Upgrades as part of the accessibility program includes customer facilities like accessible toilets, disability-compliant ticket windows, improved seating, extended platform shelters, improved bicycle storage and new security cameras.
Station platforms will be raised to make the platform and train door level, reducing the gap making boarding safer and easier.
Transportation will be available from the station overpass to the platforms for customers in wheelchairs, with walking frames, parents with prams and people with luggage.
The Queensland Government is also installing hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, new wayfinding signage, information screens and better security through CCTV and lighting upgrades.
Bundamba Station will temporarily close in January 2024 during construction with alternate transportation in place. A bus replacement between Booval and Ebbw Vale will operate according to the regular train timetable, with Queensland Rail launching a survey asking customers about their travel patterns and how best to support them during the upgrade
Bundamba MP Lance McCallum said the upgrade will greatly benefit the community.
“This major upgrade is great news for our community, and we want it done as quickly and safely as possible,” Mr McCallum said.
“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.”.
Queensland Rail Head of SEQ, Scott Riedel, said that the company wants the community to get involved and help create transportation alternatives.
“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,” Mr Riedel said.
“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.”
Preparation work has already ramped up at Bundamba station ahead of this exciting project with signalling construction, vegetation removal and piling works well underway.
Customers can look forward to the station reopening throughout the second half of 2024, pending construction and weather conditions and can fill out the survey for transport HERE
Featured image: Artist impression of the upgraded Bundamba train station when complete. Image courtesy of the Queensland Government
