Temporary freight movements – Wooloowin station to Pinkenba
From Saturday 23 December 2023, there will be major track closures across the rail network due to extensive Cross River Rail works.
Between Tuesday 2 and Monday 15 January 2024, freight trains will intermittently use the rail line between Wooloowin station and Pinkenba to access a temporary freight transfer facility.
Why is this required?
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.
When will freight trains use the Doomben line?
Between 2 and 15 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.
Please see maps below for train route and location of the transfer facility.
How many train movements will be required?
Up to three freight trains will access the temporary transfer facility each weekday, and up to four freight trains will access the facility on weekends.
How long will it take to transfer freight between rail and trucks?
It will take approximately six hours for freight to be transferred between the trains and trucks at the transfer facility.
What time will freight movements occur?
During the extended track closure, freight movements and operations of the transfer site will occur 24/7.
What does this mean for residents near the Doomben line?
Residents can expect an intermittent increase in rail operational noise as freight is transported between Wooloowin station and the transfer site at Pinkenba.
Why are there lights in the corridor near Eagle Junction and Wooloowin stations?
Light engines will be required to move freight to and from the transfer facility between Wooloowin station and Pinkenba.
This will involve connecting and disconnecting the engines to freight trains when required. Depending on when the freight being transported, temporary lights in the corridor may be required to allow staff the safely connect and disconnect the engines.
During this time, Wooloowin and Eagle Junction residents may experience an increase in operational noises and lighting.
After the track closure period, the transfer facility will cease operations and the Doomben line will return to normal.
Temporary road closure – Sugarmill Road
During operation of the temporary transfer site, a full closure of Sugarmill Road at the Kingsford Smith Drive intersection will be required. Access to Sugarmill Road will be via Lomandra Drive.
Traffic control will be in place on Kingsford Smith Drive and Sugarmill Road to assist vehicles accessing the work area.
Access to properties will be maintained at all times.
Bus route 590 will be diverted around the work area but will continue to service stops in the area. To plan your journey, use the links below:
Temporary reactivation of level crossings
Several level crossings at Pinkenba will be reactivated when the facility comes into operation. The crossing locations are Randall Road, Eagle Farm Road, Soutter Street and Radio Street.
During the closure in January, level crossings at Nudgee Road, Hamilton and Kitchener Road, Hendra may experience longer wait times as freight moves along the Doomben line.
It’s important that pedestrians and motorists obey the level crossing signs and signals to avoid incidents.
Digital road signs will be installed in the lead up to the reactivation of the level crossings.