Brisbane train stations to close after Easter for Cross River Rail work

Brisbane commuters are being warned of widespread disruption and train station closures as work on Cross River Rail ramps up.

A number of train stations on Brisbane’s southside will close for extended periods after Easter as work on the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail network ramps up this year.

The delivery authority behind one of Queensland’s most significant infrastructure projects has also warned of widespread service disruptions over the Easter period.

Cross River Rail will transform travel across southeast Queensland when it opens in 2025, with a second rail line through Brisbane’s CBD and four new underground stations creating a faster, more efficient public transport system.

Cross River Rail track works under way at Herston.

The Courier-Mail, in partnership with the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, is putting a spotlight on the project as part of the ongoing Future SEQ series.

It can be revealed Yeronga will be the first station on the Beenleigh/Gold Coast line to close for up to six months for major upgrades from late April.

Five other stations between Fairfield and Salisbury will be rebuilt as part of a rolling upgrade program.

Over Easter, commuters can expect disruptions to services from April 2-7, while track works are undertaken at Coopers Plains, Lindum, Roma St to Northgate, on the Ferny Grove line and from Roma St to Murarrie and Yeerongpilly.

Buses will replace rail services on all impacted commuter lines between Good Friday, April 2 and Easter Monday, April 5.

From April 6-7, buses will replace the Beenleigh line services between Yeerongpilly and Park Rd with Gold Coast line trains running express between Altandi and Roma St.

“These works are necessary to deliver this major rail project, and crews will be cracking on with overhauling stations from Fairfield to Salisbury – all of which are in dire need of upgrades – removing track and installing new track, piling, overhead wire work, water and sewer works, service relocation, and signal testing,” Transport Minister Mark Bailey said.

CRRDA chief executive Graeme Newton said the rebuilding of the Fairfield to Salisbury stations were crucial to the project meeting deadlines.

“Closing each station on a rolling schedule for approximately six months, starting with Yeronga, is necessary to have all six rebuilt in time for the start of Cross River Rail services in 2025,” he said.

“These stations are some of the oldest in the entire SEQ rail network and these extended closures will minimise overall disruption while allowing required works to take place as efficiently and safely as possible.”

The Yeronga train station is set to receive a massive facework as part of Cross River Rail works.

With 10 major worksites now established across southeast Queensland, Mr Bailey said Cross River Rail would transform the southeast rail network.

“A huge program of works will bring Cross River Rail to life, and there has been extensive planning to make sure there’s alternative transport options – including a new temporary bus service – as the works are rolled out,” he said.

Four new underground stations have been planned at Boggo Rd, Woolloongabba, Albert St and Roma St as part of Cross River Rail connecting the north and south of the city.

Dutton Park and Exhibition Station will both be rebuilt, with services at Exhibition scheduled to become available all-year-round.

There are three new stations destined for the Gold Coast at Merrimac, Pimpama and Helensvale North. A new signalling system will also be introduced allowing trains to run closer together, more safely and with greater efficiency.

TransLink boss Matt Longland said information for passengers would also be readily available on the TransLink website and app, with an information stand also being set up at Yeronga station ahead of the closure to provide the latest information, including the StationLink bus service.

“Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, Queensland Rail and TransLink have been working closely to ensure alternative transport options are available during these works and that impacts to commuters are minimised,” he said. “Staff will be on site at key locations to assist.”