Signalling work & system testing

Overview

Ongoing testing of the new European Train Control System (ETCS) and the training of Queensland Rail staff is now taking place along the Shorncliffe line and will continue throughout 2026.
To carry out these activities safely and efficiently, we need to temporarily close sections of track, as this work cannot be completed while normal services are running. This means changes to travel and transport services on the Shorncliffe line.

Upcoming closures

There will be temporary changes to evening services on the Shorncliffe line in February to facilitate ongoing system testing and operational training. This is an important next step in the rollout of the new digital signalling system.

During testing and training, you may see Queensland Rail staff at stations and trains travelling and stopping between Bindha and Sandgate — although these trains are not in service.

There will be weeknight track closures for system and operational testing between Northgate and Sandgate stations from 7:45pm to last service, each evening during the following times:

• Monday 2 to Thursday 5 February 2026
• Monday 9*^ and Tuesday 10 February 2026
• Tuesday 17* and Wednesday 18* February 2026
• Monday 23 February to Thursday 26 February 2026

There will be weekend closures for system and operational testing between Northgate and Sandgate stations from first to last each day during the below times:

• Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February 2026
• Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February 2026
• Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February 2026
• Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March 2026

*Construction crews will also be installing signalling equipment on the track near Boondall, North Boondall, Deagon and Sandgate stations.
^Queensland Rail will also be undertaking track maintenance works.

Further track closures on the Shorncliffe line will occur throughout 2026. Exact dates and times will be confirmed and communicated ahead of each testing period.

Alternate transport arrangements

When testing and training are scheduled, buses will replace trains between Northgate and Shorncliffe stations. Shorncliffe line trains will continue to run between Northgate station and the city, in both directions.

Shorncliffe station is temporarily closed until mid‑2026 for a station renewal and accessibility upgrade.

Railbus routes

The R348 railbus will run for weeknight and weekend closures. It will run all stations between Northgate and Shorncliffe from first to last service, departing approximately every 30 minutes.

Please plan your journey closer to the time to find your fastest travel option. We encourage you to plan your journey ahead by using the links below:

• Downloading the TransLink app
• Visit the Translink website
• Call 13 12 30

What to expect if you live near the rail corridor

• Increased noise associated with construction works, testing and training (traffic control set‑up and pack down, train movements, horns, hand tools, light vehicles and work personnel)
• Additional vehicle movements including railbus operations.

For these upcoming closures, 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).

Ongoing testing and training

To support continued testing and training of ETCS, further weeknight and full‑day closures on the Shorncliffe line will continue throughout 2026. We will continue to keep the community updated ahead of planned testing and training activities.

Detailed information about transport changes on the Shorncliffe line and alternative transport options will be provided in advance of each testing period.

ETCS plays an important part in the future of our network, delivering increased safety, capacity, efficiency, and reliability for a sustainable transport network. We understand track closures are an inconvenience.

Thank you for your patience as we undertake these critical works.

Why was the Shorncliffe line selected for signalling system testing and training?

The Shorncliffe line was selected to pilot the system due to lower customer numbers compared to other parts of the rail network and because it sits outside the mainline and freight corridor.

Testing and training of ETCS on the Shorncliffe line to confirm the system meets safety regulations and operational requirements is critical before it is gradually rolled out to key parts of the South East Queensland rail network over the next decade.

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

• Works Notice – Shorncliffe Line: Signalling & system testing – February 2026