Signalling work & system testing - July 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.

Testing ETCS to confirm the system meets safety regulations and operational requirements is an important step before testing in the Cross River Rail tunnels can commence.
 

Details of work

From Monday 8 July until late 2024, there will be temporary changes to some evening services on the Shorncliffe line to facilitate ongoing testing.

Buses will replace trains between Northgate and Shorncliffe stations while testing takes place. Please note that the testing schedule varies from week to week. See more details below.

Between Northgate and Shorncliffe stations, and from 7:45pm and 5:00am Monday to Thursday between 8 to 12 July, 15 to 17 July, 22 to 26 July and 29 to 30 July (QR Works), the following works will occur:

  • System testing with no passenger trains operating
  • During the closure, a test train will operate between Banyo and Shorncliffe stations
  • 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.

Between Northgate and Shorncliffe stations, and between 17.00am and 5.00pm on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July, the following works will occur:

  • Installation of trackside signalling equipment.

 

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 and testing.

When testing is scheduled, the below transport arrangements will be in place:

  • Buses will replace trains between Northgate and Shorncliffe stations most weeknights during July from approximately 7.45pm until the last service
  • Shorncliffe line trains will continue to run between Northgate station and the city, in both directions
  • Railbus R348 will stop at all stations between Northgate and Shorncliffe stations, in both directions, departing approximately every 30 minutes.

During this period, you may see trains travelling on the Shorncliffe line and stopping at some stations. These trains are undergoing important testing and are not in service.

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 control set-up and pack down, train movements, horns, light vehicles and work personnel) and additional vehicle movements including railbus operations.

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: