Key Cleveland, Beenleigh line closures coincide with busy Christmas travel period

Rail passengers across southeast Queensland will experience significant disruptions as extensive track closures coincide with school holidays and Christmas.

Rail commuters have been warned of disruptions over the Christmas holiday period. File picture

Rail passengers across southeast Queensland are bracing for significant disruptions as extensive track closures are set to coincide with school holidays and the busy festive period.

The Cleveland and Beenleigh lines, critical routes for many, are expected to bear the brunt of the interruptions.

The rail network’s schedule includes closures spanning from mid-December through mid-January, disrupting daily commutes and holiday plans.

Maintenance and infrastructure upgrades have been cited as the reason, with authorities promising long-term benefits but offering little immediate relief for affected commuters.

On the Cleveland line, commuters can expect severe disruptions, including closures on December 30 and during an extended period from January 2 to January 17.

Beenleigh and Cleveland trains face disruptions over the Christmas period. Picture: TransLink

The Cleveland line serves Brisbane’s eastern suburbs, a key area for residential and commercial activity.

Alternative transport options are anticipated to be overcrowded and less efficient.

The Beenleigh line is also facing significant shutdowns.

A planned closure on the weekend of December 14–15, coinciding with peak holiday travel, is expected to cause chaos for passengers travelling south or connecting to the Gold Coast.

Disruptions on this line have drawn frustration from both commuters and local businesses.

Retailers and service providers along the route

Replacement bus services will be provided but are expected to add significant travel time and may not fully accommodate the demand.

One Beenleigh passenger described the situation as “a nightmare” noting that buses fail to align with typical train schedules, doubling journey times.

Rail authorities have acknowledged the disruption, but stressed the long-term network benefits.

The level crossing at Bethania will be removed as part of the Faster Rail program. Picture: Judith Kerr

A spokesperson for the network said the upgrades were essential to meet growing demand and ensure future reliability.

However, the timing of the closures has sparked criticism, with advocacy groups and passengers arguing that more thoughtful scheduling could have mitigated the disruptions during the holiday period.

Passengers are being urged to plan their journeys carefully, keep updated on service changes, and allow additional travel time.

Real-time updates are available via the rail network’s website and app.

The rail work and track closures will not be the only transport system to undergo changes this month after TransLink announced changes to seven bus routes affecting users in Logan West, Springfield, Beaudesert and Flagstone.

Routes 534, 535, 540, 542, 551, 561 and 587 will be upgraded to incorporate more frequent services for growing suburbs such as Yarrabilba, which will now have buses running every 30 minutes during peak hours and hourly at other times.

TransLink said the changes were a significant improvement for an area that historically lacked frequent public transport options.

Parking at Loganlea train station will be redesigned. Picture: TransLink

However, the announcement has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from residents of Beenleigh and surrounding suburbs.

Despite the new frequency to Yarrabilba, Beenleigh residents say they continue to endure limited services, with some routes only running hourly on weekdays.

Beenleigh routes 564 and Route 568, operate only every two hours on Sundays, leaving many frustrated.

Local commuter Fay Hicks expressed disappointment, noting that while new routes in Logan were welcome, areas such as Beenleigh remained overlooked.

“Yarrabilba is getting 30-minute trips at peak times, but here in Beenleigh, we’re stuck with hourly buses during the week and a two-hour wait on Sundays for some services,” she said.

“It feels like we’ve been forgotten.”

The new routes are part of Translink’s broader plan to improve connectivity across southeast Queensland, focusing on high-growth areas.

TransLink has yet to provide detailed updates for Beenleigh.

Logan City Council is also actively working to ensure the Logan to Gold Coast Faster Rail project brings positive changes while preserving essential community assets including the Bethania Aquatic Centre and Noffke Park.

Bethania Aquatic Centre is near the train line which is being redesigned for the Faster Rail project. Picture: Contributed

The project, a collaboration between state and federal governments, aims to enhance connectivity between Brisbane, Logan, and the Gold Coast through improved rail services.

However, significant community concerns have prompted the council to advocate for solutions that minimise adverse the impact from the replacement of the level crossing at Bethania Station.

The proposed design by the Department of Transport and Main Roads could significantly affect the Bethania Aquatic Centre and Noffke Park.

The Council is collaborating with TMR to develop a design solution that addresses these concerns.

Another significant issue arising from the faster rail project is the parking shortage at Loganlea Station.

The removal of federal funding for a planned multistorey carpark has raised concerns among residents and commuters.

As Loganlea Station is designated an express stop, the demand for parking is expected to increase.

Logan council has urged TMR to explore alternative parking solutions that do not affect the planned park in the Local Government Infrastructure Plan.”