A second major contract for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project has been awarded, with construction at Loganlea due to begin imminently.
But plans to remove all the level crossings in the city are stalled, with the state government concerned about the impacts of flooding and traffic.
The $5.75 billion project, jointly funded by the state and federal governments, will double the number of tracks between Kuraby and Beenleigh from two to four.
It will also involve upgrading or relocating all the stations in Logan and removing the city’s five level crossings.
The first major contract is for the $173.76 million relocation of Loganlea train station, which has been awarded to Martinus Degnan.
The new station will be built directly opposite Logan Hospital and close to Loganlea TAFE and Loganlea State High School.
Once complete, the upgraded station will feature improved accessibility with ramps, stairs and lifts to the station from Valencia Street and Armstrong Road.
There will also be new pedestrian and active transport connections to local facilities across the rail line, and a secure storage cage for bicycle and scooter parking.
Construction is expected to start later this year.
The state government said the new station would open to services by mid-2027, with the current station remaining open until then.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said without the upgrade, the train network would “struggle to cater for a fast-growing population and the capacity to move spectators during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games”.
“Awarding these two contracts means work can begin on this critical transport project,” he said.
Civil engineering contractor Bielby Hull has been awarded the design and construction contract to deliver the first level crossing removal at Beenleigh Road, Kuraby.
Current proposals would see a new road over rail bridge replace the crossing.
But a similar solution for the Bethania level crossing is proving more challenging, with the government cautious of flooding, inconveniences caused to motorists, and the impacts on local community facilities.
Mr Mellish said level crossings impacted everyone, “whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or driver”.
Community consultations for the level crossings replacement designs will begin early next year.
