​Train commuters travelling on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines need to plan ahead. Extended track closures are in place from 27 June to 19 July.
These closures coincide with the school holidays, a time when Translink say less people are travelling on the network, which aims to minimise disruption. During this time, crews will carry out essential works in the rail corridor.
Major Projects Underway
The work being done over this period aims to tackle several major projects at once. According to TMR this coordinated approach helps keep the overall disruption to a minimum. Some of the critical works include upgrading stabling yards and stations for Cross River Rail. There will also be a new digital signalling system installed between Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes as part of the European Train Control System.
Early works for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project will see tracks duplicated, stations upgraded, and level crossings removed. Platform construction, signalling, and track works for the Loganlea Station Relocation project are also on the schedule.
Acting Head of Translink Dean Helm says the works are about building a network for now and into the future.
“These track closures allow important work to be undertaken on a number of projects that are critical to improving access to some of the fastest growing locations around South East Queensland,” Mr Helm said.
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority CEO Graeme Newton added that crews are making the most of the opportunity to work safely while trains are not running.
“Critical works will be underway across the network, including commissioning key signalling assets at Clapham Yard, construction of Moorooka station, and services and overhead line equipment installation in the Yeerongpilly-Moorooka corridor,” Mr Newton said. He also noted that work will be underway at Merrimac station on the Gold Coast.
Planning Your Journey
With major works and track closures happening, rail replacement buses will keep passengers moving. Dean Helm encourages everyone travelling during this period to consider their transport options and allow plenty of travel time.
“We will ensure plenty of rail replacement bus services are available providing connections to help customers complete their journeys,” Mr Helm said.
Keep in mind that minor impacts will be felt on other lines too. Train services on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines will start running again from Monday 19 July. However, due to ongoing union Protected Industrial Action by Queensland Rail staff, there could be changes to these planned works. Customers will be given as much notice as possible if any changes occur.
To plan your journey, you can use the Translink app, visit translink.com.au, or call 13 12 30.
​QLD Rail Track Closure Schedule
To help you plan your journey, here is a breakdown of how specific train lines will be affected during the winter closure period.
Weekend of 20–21 June
- Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines: Rail replacement buses will run between Varsity Lakes and Boggo Road.
Weekend of 27–28 June
- Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines: Buses will replace trains between Varsity Lakes and Boggo Road.
- Ferny Grove and Airport lines: Services on both lines will terminate at Boggo Road.
Weekdays: 29 June – 3 July
- Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines: Buses replace trains between Varsity Lakes and Boggo Road.
- Airport line: Trains will run between the Domestic Airport and Boggo Road, or link to the Cleveland line during peak times.
- Cleveland line: Services will link with the Airport line during peak times, then connect with the Shorncliffe line as normal.
- Shorncliffe line: Trains will run between Sandgate and Roma Street during peak times, and link to the Cleveland line outside of peak times.
- Doomben line: Services will terminate at Roma Street.
- Ferny Grove line: Services will terminate at Boggo Road.
Weekend of 4–5 July
- Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines: Buses will replace trains between Varsity Lakes and Boggo Road.
- Airport line: Trains run between the Domestic Airport and Boggo Road, or link to the Cleveland line during peak times.
- Ferny Grove line: Services will terminate at Boggo Road.
Weekdays: 6–10 July & 13–17 July
- Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines: Buses will replace trains between Boggo Road and Banoon. Trains will run as a combined all-stops service between Varsity Lakes and Banoon, meaning there will be minor timetable changes and no express trains.
- Airport line: Trains will run between the Domestic Airport and Boggo Road, linking to the Cleveland line during peak times.
- Cleveland line: Services will link with the Airport line during peak times, then connect with the Shorncliffe line as normal.
- Shorncliffe line: Services run between Sandgate and Roma Street during peak times, linking to the Cleveland line outside of peak times.
- Doomben line: Services will terminate at Roma Street and will operate as 3-car trains only.
- Ferny Grove line: Services will terminate at Boggo Road.
Weekends of 11–12 July & 18–19 July
- Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines: Buses will replace trains between Boggo Road and Banoon. Trains will run as a combined all-stops service between Varsity Lakes and Banoon with minor timetable changes and no express trains.
- Airport and Ferny Grove lines: Services on both lines will terminate at Boggo Road.
