Signalling work & system testing - May 2024

A world-class railway signalling system is being installed in South East Queensland as part of the Cross River Rail Project. The system has been installed and is currently being tested along the Shorncliffe line.

 

Overview

Testing of the new European Train Control System (ETCS) is taking place along the Shorncliffe line and will continue throughout 2024.

Digital signalling is the most significant change to SEQ’s rail operations since electric trains were introduced in the 1980s. Set to revolutionise rail, it will result in smart, safe and seamless travel – increasing capacity, efficiency and reliability, and is especially important for the safe operation of trains in the Cross River Rail tunnels.

This critical testing means there needs to be some changes to train services now and we thank Shorncliffe line customers for their support to enable this to occur.

Detailed information about track closures and transport changes on the Shorncliffe line during 2024 will be provided in advance of each testing period.
 

Details of work

From Tuesday 7 May to Friday 10 May, system testing will be undertaken with a test train operating between Banyo and Shorncliffe. During this time, no passenger trains will be operating on the Shorncliffe line.

Between Banyo and Shorncliffe stations, and between 2.00am Tuesday 7 to 11.00pm Friday 10 May, the following system testing works will occur:

  • System testing with no passenger trains operating and bus replacement services.
  • System testing within the rail corridor between Banyo and Shorncliffe 24 hours a day.
  • A test train will operate between Banyo and Shorncliffe stations:
    • From 4.15pm to 9.00pm on Wednesday 8 May
    • From 7.00am to 9.30pm on Thursday 9 May
    • From 7.00am to 9.30pm on Friday 10 May.
  • When test trains are in operation traffic control will be in place at Adams Street, Kennerley Street, Curlew Street and Palm Avenue level crossings and at the Nudgee Pedestrian Crossing (city side of Nudgee station). Horns will sound as per normal operations.
  • Queensland Rail will also be completing construction works in and around Banyo station between 10.00pm and 6.00am between Tuesday, 7 May and Thursday 9 May (three nights).

Between Banyo and Shorncliffe stations, and between 10.00pm and 4.00am from Monday 27 to Friday 31 May (five nights), the following system testing works will occur:

  • System testing with a test train operating between Banyo and Shorncliffe stations.
  • Traffic control will be in place at Adams Street, Kennerley Street, Curlew Street and Palm Avenue level crossings and at the Nudgee Pedestrian Crossing (city side of Nudgee station). Horns will sound as per normal operations.
  • All services will return to a regular timetable from first service each morning.

 

What to expect if you’re a rail customer

Cross River Rail won’t just transform Brisbane, it will transform the way we travel across South East Queensland. But building Cross River Rail means changes to travel and transport services during construction.

Buses will replace trains between Northgate and Shorncliffe stations between Tuesday 7 May and Friday 10 May 2024. Express railbuses will be available between Northgate and Sandgate stations during peak periods and all stop services will run throughout the day.

Shorncliffe line trains will continue to run between Northgate and Roma Street in both directions. All rail services will return to a regular timetable from first service on Saturday 11 May.

During testing on the Shorncliffe line, you may see trains travelling on the line and stopping at some stations. These trains are undergoing important testing and are not regular train services.

We encourage you to plan your journey ahead of time by using the links below:

 

What to expect if you live alongside the rail corridor

Residents along the rail corridor may hear noise associated with testing (e.g. traffic contol set-up and pack down, train movements, horns, light vehicles and work personnel). Lighting towers will also be used in some locations.

Residents near Shorncliffe station may hear noise associated with the parking of the test train at the end of line.

All staff will be fully briefed about their community responsibilities in relation to minimising noise and disruption after hours.

If you want to know more, all of this information is available in PDF form:

Banyo station will be temporarily closed until late 2024 as part of Queensland Rail’s Station Accessibility Upgrade Program.

During the track closure period, both timetabled railbuses and the existing dedicated shuttle bus services running between Northgate and Banyo stations will be available.

The stops for the railbuses and the existing shuttle bus service will be from separate locations near Banyo station.

Additional signage will be installed to assist customers.

For more information about the Banyo station accessibility upgrade, please contact Queensland Rail via the details below: