It’s been a long wait for residents of Brisbane and the Greater Moreton Bay Region in Queensland, Australia. A railway line between the two regions was first promised almost a century ago, and the ever-growing population has been crowding the Bruce Highway – increasing journey times and frustrating commuters – ever since.
Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads sees the Moreton Bay Line as a vital economic and social development catalyst – enhancing regional connectivity, productivity and business efficiency. Not only will traffic flow be improved and thousands of cars be removed from the Bruce Highway, but reduced noise and pollution from vehicle emissions will result in major environmental benefits for the region. The project will also feature six new stations, each with park-and-ride, bus connectivity and facilities to encourage active transport solutions for long-suffering commuters.
AECOM/Aurecon were engaged by Thiess to undertake design services for stations, car parks and access roads on the project. Our team also designed rail infrastructure – including track, signalling, overhead traction and telecommunications. This diverse team of professionals – including structural, rail systems and electrical engineers – delivered bridge designs, overhead line electrification designs, verification work and electrical reticulation design verification for the project.
The six new stations were designed using Revit software, enabling the project team to deliver results with minimal changes and disruptions to design integration. Five of the six stations were designed using a standardised approach, allowing for simplicity in the construction process.
AECOM/Aurecon were able to deliver the design for the project within 12 months of being awarded the contract, assisting Thiess to meet its construction milestones. Major construction commenced on the project in early 2014, and the new line is scheduled to be operational in 2016.
The Moreton Bay Rail project will deliver a 12.6 km dual-track passenger rail line between Petrie and Kippa-Ring, including six new stations along the route. Major construction is underway and the rail line is planned to be operational by late 2016, weather permitting. Thiess Pty Ltd was awarded the contract to design and build the project.
The Lawnton to Petrie track upgrade project will also be delivered as part of the Moreton Bay Rail project. The upgrade between Lawnton and Petrie, and additional work in the rail corridor is required to integrate the new Moreton Bay Rail service.
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