Thanks to the herculean efforts of Queensland Rail track workers over the weekend, more train services will be available for Monday morning commuters.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said services on the Shorncliffe and Cleveland lines would resume from first service tomorrow.
“The intense rainfall caused washouts and sinkholes along the Shorncliffe and Cleveland lines at a number of locations, which Queensland Rail crews have worked tirelessly to repair,” Mr Bailey said.
“From tomorrow, services will resume in both directions between Cleveland and Shorncliffe stations.
“It has been a big effort over the weekend to get the track, signalling and stations certified as safe, so I thank customers for their ongoing patience.
“In more good news, we’ll also be providing peak services every 15 minutes to customers across the network to help move people around the city.”
Mr Bailey said some sections of track were still undergoing repairs.
“Crews are working quickly to repair damage at Holmview, and on the Rosewood line, to ensure we can return to a full timetable as soon as possible,” he said.
“Gold Coast services will now terminate at Beenleigh station, with an express bus in operation between Beenleigh and Kuraby stations to connect customers with the wider network.
“We’ll also be introducing a shuttle bus between Ipswich and Rosewood stations while repairs continue.”
From Monday (7 March), the following rail services will be in operation:
- Ipswich and Caboolture line in full.
- Sunshine Coast line between Caboolture and Nambour, with rail replacement buses between Nambour and Gympie North.
- Beenleigh and Ferny Grove line, between Kuraby and Ferny Grove, with rail replacement buses stopping all stations between Beenleigh and Kuraby.
- Airport line between Central and Domestic Terminal.
- Gold Coast line between Varsity Lakes and Beenleigh, with rail replacement buses in operation express between Beenleigh and Kuraby.
- Redcliffe Peninsula and Springfield line in full.
- Doomben line between Park Road and Doomben.
- Shorncliffe and Cleveland line in full.
- Rosewood line operated by rail replacement buses.
On the roads, Mr Bailey said some bus depots were still facing access issues which would impact service offerings this week.
“Almost all bus operators will be in operation tomorrow, and we’re working closely with the teams today to understand what the timetable will look like,” he said.
“I encourage regular bus commuters to keep an eye on social media, and the TransLink journey planner for updates to routes.
“A big thank you goes out to the people of South East Queensland for their understanding while we waited for flood water to recede and commenced road repairs.”
Mr Bailey urged regular commuters to hop online and plan their journey ahead of travel this week.
“As our recovery efforts continue, we may be reintroducing services throughout the week so I ask customers to tune into social media and check the TransLink website regularly,” he said.
“Ferry services will remain suspended this week as debris is removed and ferry terminal repairs get underway.
“I will keep customers updated throughout the week as more services come online.”
Train services will run to a Saturday timetable outside of peak hours, with some temporary station access changes in place.
For up to date transport information, please visit www.translink.com.au