Queensland’s Cross River Rail project has achieved a significant milestone, connecting Gabba and the Brisbane CBD via newly-laid underground tracks.
Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said more than 3km of train tracks, in each direction, now connect the future Albert Street and Woolloongabba stations.
“Cross River Rail now has rail crossing under the river,” Mr Bailey said.
“This is a huge milestone for the project and for South East Queensland as we continue to make progress on Queensland’s biggest rail project.
“What we’re seeing here today is the track that will move our growing population, footy fans and future games goers once Cross River Rail is operational.
“Better yet, the major project continues to support good jobs right across the South East with 15 active project sites around the network.
“Cross River Rail is key to unlocking the bottleneck on the rail network and delivering better train services for Queenslanders.”
Mr Bailey said about 60 workers were involved in completing the sections of track in the twin tunnels.
“The work going on beneath the CBD and the river itself to build Brisbane’s new underground is incredible, and I thank all the workers involved for their efforts,” he said.
“All up, crews laid about 385t of rail between the two future stations, setting about 9,400 blocks in roughly 2800m3 of concrete.
“As the first set of tracks to be complete, they also represent the start of the significant rail revolution already underway in Queensland, of which Cross River Rail is just the start.
“These tracks now under the river will help create the capacity in our network and realise the benefit of other investments, including the Beerburrum to Nambour and Kuraby to Beenleigh track upgrades.”
Mr Bailey said crews were now starting work on the mechanical and electrical components in the completed section, while tracks were being laid throughout the rest of the tunnels, with works expected to continue throughout next year.
