Temporary freight movements – Banyo yard

From Saturday 23 December 2023, there will be major track closures across the rail network due to extensive Cross River Rail works.

Between 2 and 15 January, freight locomotives or light engines will intermittently use Banyo yard due to the changes required for freight arrangements during the closure.

Why are there changes to freight movements?

Construction activities critical to the completion of Cross River Rail will require long periods of work within the rail corridor during a track closure.

This will ensure work can be completed safely and efficiently when no trains are running.

These track closures will result in extended periods when freight services will not be able to access existing freight terminals.
 

What is happening at Banyo?

Throughout January 2024, freight trains will intermittently use the Doomben and Pinkenba lines between Wooloowin station and Pinkenba to access a temporary transfer facility located near Sugarmill Road, Pinkenba. This will ensure some freight services can still be transported to and from Brisbane during extended track closures.

In order to use this facility, light engines will be required to move the freight along these lines to and from the temporary transfer facility.

When the light engines are not moving the freight, they will be stowed at Banyo yard where at times they will require maintenance and refuelling.
 

Why are the engines being stowed at Banyo?

The track closure will impact the entire network, limiting capacity to move passenger services along open tracks and restricting access to existing stowing facilities and maintenance yards. Banyo is the closest, accessible yard to where the light engines will be assisting freight trains to access the temporary transfer facility at Pinkenba.
 

How often will the light engines use Banyo?

The light engines require 24/7 access and will move in and out of the yard as required. While the engines are in the yard, maintenance activities will take place and may require lighting towers for night works.
You may experience increases in operational noises and lighting, and may notice an increased security presence within the yard.