The Beenleigh rail tunnel is in its final preliminary planning stages.
By next month, early site investigations are due to begin, but first, project designs need to be finalised.
Despite local chatter, Beenleigh roads will not be closing anytime soon, according to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
TMR said early site investigations would help shape the final design and although they would not require road closures, temporary traffic management procedures may be implemented.
The rail tunnel is planned to be located under Beenleigh town centre, a spot that recently underwent a $5 million council-led beautification project.
Preparations for the rail tunnel design began in mid 2021, six months before Logan City Council completed the Beenleigh upgrades.
TMR have not said whether the rail tunnel construction would compromise the recent town centre renovations, but a few locals say it will.
The rail tunnel is one of many additions designed to revamp the Beenleigh and Gold Coast train lines.
Other changes along the 20km track section include the amelioration of five stations (including the one at Beenleigh) and the addition of almost 1,000 parking spots.
According to TMR, surrounding property owners were informed of these plans in August 2021.
Although construction appears to be far off, rumours floating around Beenleigh suggest resumption notices have already been issued to the surrounding property owners.
TMR denied this claim, but said impacted property owners could apply “to be considered for a strategic purchase of their property” by the department.
However, standard resumption procedures will eventually occur if owners refuse the purchase offer made by the department.
TMR have said they will “continue to communicate with all impacted property owners ahead of issuing resumption notices to explain the process, including timing and compensation matters.”
TMR said they intend to provide a project update to the community sometime this year.
