Park ‘n’ Ride eases train pain

CONSTRUCTION on Dinmore train station’s Park ‘n’ Ride car park extension has finally begun, four years after it was initially promised.

Picture: Sarah Keayes

CONSTRUCTION on Dinmore train station’s Park ‘n’ Ride car park extension has finally begun, four years after it was initially promised.

The car park will provide an additional 230 spaces, adding to the 254 existing parks at a cost of $3 million.

Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller said the facility was needed to handle Ipswich’s population growth.

“Dinmore is a popular station for passengers to catch the train due to its location at a major junction for access routes including Brisbane Road, Cunningham Highway and Ipswich Motorway,” Mrs Miller said.

“Already about 550 people use Dinmore station each day for their commute, and upgrades such as this allow for this number to grow.”

Local Councillor Trevor Nardi had previously been outspoken on the car park’s long delays.

He said Anna Bligh’s government should apologise to Ipswich residents for putting the project on hold.

“They should tell residents the truth – that they didn’t build enough car parks the first time and they didn’t have the money to pay for an upgrade,” Cr Nardi said.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the project was delayed because of the Ipswich Motorway upgrade.

“This Park ‘n’ Ride was redesigned to allow the motorway alignment and to ensure the land set aside could accommodate both the motorway and the Park ‘n’ Ride facility,” she said.

Ms Nolan said the upgrades to the Park ‘n’ Ride facility included security fences, lighting, security cameras and some landscaping.

“Commuters can feel safe and secure when parking their cars due to the safety features included in the enhanced Park ‘n’ Ride,” she said.

Construction is expected to be completed in July this year.

Originally published as Park ‘n’ Ride eases train pain