THE state and federal government is planning a multi-billion dollar overhaul of the southern rail network between the Gold Coast, Logan, and Brisbane.
Details have been released as part of community consultation starting this month.
More tracks would be laid, and level crossings removed to support faster, more frequent train services.
The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project proposes to double the number of tracks between Kuraby and Beenleigh from two to four, adding about 20km of new tracks.
A business case is to be developed to determine a cost for the faster rail plan.
The project is in the early stages of planning and still requires funding from both levels of government to be built.
The proposal will also investigate straightening curved sections of the rail line, which would reduce wheel noise impacts on residents and allow trains to travel at higher speeds, reducing travel times.
Under the current proposal, five level crossings will be upgraded or removed, and nine stations also upgraded to improve local road congestion.
New signalling technology to be installed between Varsity Lakes and Salisbury will allow more trains to run more often.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the plan presented options for dealing with local traffic congestion around key rail crossings at Woodridge, Kuraby, Bethania, Holmview, and Beenleigh.
“It also means better train stations and access to parking for commuters between Kuraby and Beenleigh, and congestion-busting improvements to level crossings.”
Community consultation runs until Friday 29 October 2021.
For more information on the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/logangoldcoastrail. email logangoldcoastrail@tmr.qld.gov.au or call 1800 957 066.
