Work starts on fix for dangerous Lindum level crossing

A deadly Brisbane crossing where two people have lost their lives since 2019 is finally being fixed.

For almost 20 years residents have campaigned for a solution at a deadly crossing where two people have died since 2019, and now their prayers have finally been answered.

More than $50 million of works have started as part of the Lindum Level Crossing Precinct project, the site of one of Brisbane’s notoriously deadly intersections.

Brisbane City Council is carrying out the upgrade, with contributions from the Federal Government.

The works will include immediate short term safety upgrades for the crossing intersection on Kianawah Rd such as signalisation and intersection reconfiguration.

Railway crossing of Lindum Rd, North Road, Kianawah Rd and Sibley Rd next to Lindum Railway Station. Picture: Richard Walker

Council’s has allocated $40 million to the project with the Federal Government contribution $10million of their total budget for Lindum ($85 million) to the short term upgrades.

It comes after a student died after he car was hit by a train at the intersection in February and more than two years after an elderly woman died after being hit by a train while walking at the crossing.

“It is important that we immediately start improving the safety and efficiency at the existing intersections surrounding the crossing while the preliminary business case is being undertaken,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

Member for Bonner Ross Vasta and Alan Trudge at the notorious Lindum rail crossing.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta (LNP), said he understood the community’s frustration with the speed of the upgrades, but getting it right took time.

“Keeping our community safe is my main priority and we have all three levels of government working behind the scenes on this project,” he said.

“We recognise the urgency of improving the safety and congestion of commuters and that is why we have pushed for these immediate upgrades.”

Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister, Paul Fletcher, said the Commonwealth would continuing to work with all levels of government to progress the preliminary business case for the long-term upgrades.

Lindum crossing. Picture: Richard Walker

He said the long-term upgrades would address essential safety, efficiency and accessibility issues within the Lindum Level Crossing precinct.

The Queensland Government will build on the works currently being done by Council with its $40 million Lindum Train Station upgrade, which is currently being developed.

It will include an improved pedestrian overpass with lift access and linking platforms and upgrades to the park ‘n’ ride facility, which Transport Minister Mark Bailey said would improve safety for pedestrians, bike riders and commuters.

“Lindum Station and its surrounds are a crucial part of the local community and this was reflected in the nearly 7000 website views, almost 300 completed surveys and 180 ideas shared on the online digital interactive wall,” he said.

“The Queensland Government has committed $40 million to the Lindum Train Station upgrade, which will enhance safety and accessibility for commuters.

“Our upgrade plan … will improve safety for pedestrians, bike riders and commuters, and will bolster overall connectivity within the precinct.”