Buranda station reopening ends Qld Rail’s historic access upgrade works

When Buranda Station in Brisbane reopened on Monday, it marked the end of a record 18-month closure for access upgrades.

It also marked the end of Queensland Rail’s largest ever station accessibility work.

Buranda Station was the last of six stations to reopen after major work. The others are (all Brisbane City unless stated otherwise) at Banyo, Morningside, Lindum, Bundamba (Ipswich) and Burpengary (Moreton Bay).

Customers at Buranda Station are now able to catch a lift up to an overpass to access the newly raised and sheltered platforms.

The station now has hearing augmentation loops, tactile surfaces and upgraded security features like lighting and CCTV.

Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton says the access upgrades means travelling with greater ease, confidence and dignity.

Since 2017, Queensland Rail has completed 18 station upgrades: Buranda, Banyo, Morningside, Lindum, Bundamba, Burpengary, Alderley, Newmarket, Graceville, Nambour, Dinmore, Morayfield, Boondall, Strathpine, East Ipswich, Dakabin, Cannon Hill and Auchenflower.

CROSS RIVER RAIL WORK

Another seven southside stations in Brisbane, between Dutton Park and Salisbury, are being rebuilt as part of Cross River Rail.

Two stations are complete and the rest are taking shape, Qld Rail says.

The project will also see four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Albert Street, Woolloongabba and Roma Street, a new year-round Exhibition Station (currently operating on limited hours) and new Gold Coast stations at Pimpama, Hope Island and Merrimac.

One upgraded and two new stations are being funded as part of the Wave stage one project on the Sunshine Coast, Albion station is being upgraded and nine stations are to be rebuilt under the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project.