Exhibition Station Major Works on Display

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Exhibition Station Major Works on Display

Brisbane’s Exhibition Station construction is on the way as more jobs are coming online to support Queensland’s economic recovery as another Cross River Rail work site ramps up in inner-Brisbane.

Part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $50 billion infrastructure pipeline over the next four years, construction has started on the new Exhibition station at the RNA Showgrounds, meaning year-round trains for Brisbane’s fastest-growing entertainment, business and health precinct are a step closer.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the station’s existing western platform had been demolished so the 75-person construction team could begin on the new Cross River Rail station and tracks.

“This is a really significant milestone for the much-needed upgrade of this station to ensure train services operate here every day of the year, not just for special events like the Ekka,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Ekka is the most well-known and celebrated event held each year at the Brisbane Showgrounds, but at their peak, they can host up to 250 events a year.

“This new station will deliver trains into the heart of this heritage-listed precinct for residents and businesses, visitors and staff at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the thousands of people who visit the Ekka, the Convention Centre and nearby bars and restaurants.”

Mr Bailey said the demolition of the western platform would provide the space needed to construct the first tracks of the new station, which would sit up to four metres above the RNA Showgrounds.

“A viaduct will be constructed to support the rail tracks and train platforms over the showgrounds,” he said.

“Construction of the viaduct will start soon and the plan if for it to be in operating after next year’s Ekka, meaning we’ll gradually start to see the final station taking shape.”

McConnel MP Grace Grace said more than 75 workers were expected to help construct the new Exhibition station, including six apprentices.

“As we continue to unite and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Cross River Rail is providing employment opportunities and an economic boost right when our state needs it the most,” she said.

“The project is injecting $4.1 million a day into Queensland’s economy, and has employed more than 2,400 workers so far.”

“Over the past decade, the Showgrounds precinct has been transformed into an urban village with new residential and commercial development.

“Cross River Rail’s new year round Ekka station will deliver huge improvements to public transport options for the many local residents who now call this part of the inner-city their home.”

Ms Grace said the Exhibition station would open for daily use in time for Cross River Rail’s opening in 2025, the same year the Brisbane Showgrounds are expected to celebrate their 150 year anniversary.

Exhibition fast facts:

  • The new Exhibition station will have a new island platform with two platforms for multidirectional travel;
  • Major works have commenced with the demolition of the station’s western platform (platform 3);
  • Other works on site include piling pad construction, installation of water mains and sewers, and demolition of the existing pavement;
  • The demolition will allow construction to begin on the new Cross River Rail tracks, which will be used after Ekka 2022 – at which time the existing station’s remaining platforms 1 and 2 will be demolished;
  • A pedestrian link will connect the station to Bowen Bridge Road;
  • The design includes lifts to the island platform to improve accessibility, movement and safety;
  • More than 300 people provided feedback on the station design during community consultation in 2020, resulting in design upgrades to align the station more closely with the precinct’s look and feel, allow greater disability access, and enhance sun protection; and
  • The new station is expected to be used by more than 9,000 people each week day by 2036.

ENDS

Full media release here

4th February 2021 – Media Release

Source: © The State of Queensland

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