Watch the video: Cross River Rail project receives highest possible design rating

Brisbane’s game-changing new Cross River Rail station has received the highest possible design ratings from a peak infrastructure body. Watch the flythrough and find out why.

Crushed recycled glass for gravel works was just one of the innovative building techniques that earned the Cross River Rail project the highest possible design rating.

A digital fly-through of the new Roma Street Station as part of the Cross River Rail project reveals a minimalist and modern facility spanning several levels.

On Thursday the Cross River Rail’s Tunnel and Stations works package received certification of its ‘Leading’ Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) design rating from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC).

Inside the new Roma Street station. Picture: Cross River Rail

Some of the standout innovations that have led to the rating being awarded include:

Using crushed recycled glass instead of natural quarry sand or gravel for civil works, such as embedding pipes or beneath pavements – a first for any rail project in Queensland and with the potential to see more than 10,000 tonnes of glass reused.

The crushed glass used in the station’s design.

Station entrances are designed to maximise natural ventilation with open, breezy spaces on surface levels and natural light shafts that permeate underground voids – all of which reduce energy demands for lighting and airconditioning but without compromising passenger comfort.

The project’s sustainability initiatives are contributing to an 8.3 per cent reduction in energy use from business-as-usual construction and operations to 2050, which is forecast to save over 39,800 tonnes of CO² emissions – the equivalent of removing over 8,500 passenger vehicles off the road for a year.

Inside the new Roma Street station. Picture: Cross River Rail

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority CEO Graeme Newton said while the rating was recognition of the project’s commitment to embrace sustainable and innovative construction solutions, it was also testimony to some uniquely Queensland design thinking.

“Our station entrances work like a series of giant indoor-outdoor rooms,” Mr Newton said.

“They provide shade without shutting light out, they make the most of natural ventilation and they feel open and airy while still providing shelter from unexpected or adverse weather conditions”.

Inside the new Roma Street station. Picture: Cross River Rail

Mr Newton said the stations designs were a great example of how Cross River Rail would not only transform travel, but do so in a sustainable way.

“This project is setting a new standard for major infrastructure delivery, with innovative and best practice designs and construction,” he said.

“This recognition from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council really emphasises how Cross River Rail’s legacy will go beyond the immense public transport benefits, to include improved construction and training outcomes as well.

“Congratulations to the wider Cross River Rail team, especially our major contractors, on this incredible achievement.”