Brisbane’s Cross River Rail gains momentum and support

New body established to deliver Cross River Rail as momentum and enthusiasm for the project grows.

The Queensland Government is establishing a body to deliver the Cross River Rail, a new 10.2 km line connecting Dutton Park south of the river with Bowen Hills to the north.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the project had been recognised by both State and Federal Governments as a critical infrastructure project and offered a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to reshape the city.

“Almost half the state’s total jobs growth will occur in Brisbane, and without an effective transport system to accommodate growth, Infrastructure Australia estimates the cost of congestion in the region could total $9 billion each year,” she said.

“Once operational, Cross River Rail will provide the equivalent capacity of a 30-lane highway and will provide faster and more effective connections to jobs throughout the region.”

She said the government was establishing a Cross River Rail Delivery Authority to take the politics out of delivering the project. It will lead the development, procurement and delivery of Cross River Rail and seek Federal, State and Local government co-investment and private sector participation as funding, financing and delivery partners.

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the new 10.2 km alignment, including 5.9 km of tunnel, is built on planning from previous projects and will unlock network capacity to meet forecast passenger demand and accommodate future growth.

“Over the next 20 years, rail demand will increase threefold in South East Queensland and without major investment in the inner-city rail network by 2021, there will be no capacity to increase services during our busiest times and passengers will face overcrowding on platforms and trains,” he said.

Chris Warnock, Queensland Infrastructure spokesperson for Engineers Australia, welcomed the announcement.

“With our rail network fast approaching capacity, this much-needed project will deliver additional capability to support our growing population base and help shape the future development of the Brisbane CBD for the next century,” he said.