With Queensland’s Cross River Rail project progressing, trains are starting to test the stabling capacity of the newly-expanded Mayne Yard train depot, marking the next step in the state’s large-scale rail investment.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said Queensland Rail was testing the new facility delivered through the Cross River Rail project ahead of its use.
“Mayne Yard North is the first step in preparation for the pipeline of rail investment we’ll see over coming years,” Mr Bailey said.
The new stabling facility will allow up to 17 six-car trains to be stabled on site, boosting stabling capacity at the inner-city depot.
“While it forms part of the wider enabling works underway at Mayne Yard and Clapham Yard in preparation for Cross River Rail, it will also support a raft of future investments, including the Beerburrum to Nambour and Kuraby to Beenleigh upgrades,” Mr Bailey said.
“This stabling yard will eventually house some of the 65 new trains being built in Maryborough in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Mr Bailey said as well as the new train stabling facilities, the completed expansion included a train crew building and a graffiti removal facility.
“The new facility will help ensure our rail network has the capacity to stable, clean and maintain the trains that our growing region will need into the future,” Mr Bailey said.
“You would be hard-pressed to find a more modern stabling yard anywhere in the country – the crew building is purpose-built with comfort in mind and the different components used to service the trains have been built to meet the very latest standards.”
Mr Bailey said while almost 600 workers were involved in constructing Mayne Yard North, focus would now shift to further enabling works on the wider depot, including reconfiguration of Mayne Yard East to support Cross River Rail construction.
Queensland Rail CEO, Kat Stapleton, said the new facility was essential to accommodate the growth of the rail network in South East Queensland.
“The new Mayne Yard North stabling yard will play a vital role in our operations in the future as we plan to run more trains, more often,” Ms Stapleton said.
“The room for an additional 17 six-car trains increases Mayne Yard’s stabling capacity to 66 six-car trains in time for completion of the Cross River Rail project.”
Mayne Yard North is expected to become fully operational in early 2023.
