News

Major works have started on Cross River Rail’s new Exhibition station at the RNA Showgrounds, meaning year-round trains for Brisbane’s fastest-growing entertainment, business and health precinct are a step closer.

With the demolition of the station’s existing western platform, construction can begin on the new Cross River Rail station and tracks.

The platform demolition marks a really significant milestone for the much-needed station upgrade to ensure train services operate every day of the year, not just for special events such as the Ekka.

The upgrade will benefit local residents and businesses, visitors and staff at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the thousands of people who visit the Ekka, the Convention Centre and nearby bars and restaurants.

The demolition of the western platform provides the space needed to construct the first tracks of the new station, which would sit up to four metres above the RNA Showgrounds.

A viaduct will be constructed to support the rail tracks and train platforms over the showgrounds.

Construction of the viaduct will commence early this year and will be in operation after next year’s Ekka, meaning the final station will gradually start taking shape.

More than 75 workers are expected to help construct the new Exhibition station, including six apprentices.

As Queensland continues to unite and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Cross River Rail is providing employment opportunities and an economic boost right when our state needs it the most.

The project is injecting $4.1 million a day into the economy, and has employed more than 2,400 workers so far.

Exhibition station will open for daily use in time for Cross River Rail’s opening in 2025, the same year the Brisbane Showgrounds are expected to celebrate their 150-year anniversary.

Exhibition fast facts:

• The new Exhibition station will have a new island platform with two platforms for multidirectional travel;
• Major works have commenced with the demolition of the station’s western platform (platform 3);
• Other works on site include piling pad construction, installation of water mains and sewers, and demolition of the existing pavement;
• The demolition will allow construction to begin on the new Cross River Rail tracks, which will be used after Ekka 2022 – at which time the existing station’s remaining platforms 1 and 2 will be demolished;
• A pedestrian link will connect the station to Bowen Bridge Road;
• The design includes lifts to the island platform to improve accessibility, movement and safety;
• More than 300 people provided feedback on the station design during community consultation in 2020, resulting in design upgrades to align the station more closely with the precinct’s look and feel, allow greater disability access, and enhance sun protection; and
• The new station is expected to be used by more than 9,000 people each week day by 2036.