Premier inspects Darra-Springfield corridor and announces new Ipswich train service
Premier Anna Bligh has announced a permanent new Ipswich rail service while inspecting progress on Stage 1 of the $800 million Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Premier Anna Bligh has announced a permanent new Ipswich rail service while inspecting progress on Stage 1 of the $800 million Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor.
Ms Bligh said a temporary 4.42pm weekday train service from Central Station to Redbank, which started in November to offset Coronation Drive roadwork delays, would now be made permanent.
“This service has proven a real winner, carrying 300 to 600 passengers each weekday,” she said.
“We’ve looked at these patronage figures and decided that the State Government will continue the funding from mid December.”
The Premier said the new afternoon service was in addition to the three peak morning services introduced by TransLink earlier this year.
“Those additional services already meant an extra daily capacity of 3000 people, or 15,000 people per week on this line,” she said.
“That is an indication of the growing popularity of public transport and of the incredible growth in Ipswich and the western corridor”
Ms Bligh made the announcement as sheinspected progress on Stage 1 of the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor, which is now 60 per cent complete, with Transport Minister Rachel Nolan and Member for Inala, Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Stage 1 of the Darra to Springfield Transport Corridor includes constructing a 4.5-kilometre passenger railway line from Darra to a new station at Richlands.
The rail and road project also upgrades 4.35 kilometres of the Centenary Highway from two to four lanes from Richlands to meet with the existing Logan Motorway interchange at Carole Park.
The road component is due for completion in 2010 and the rail extension to the new station at Richlands is due to be completed in 2011, at an estimated cost of $800 million.
“This vital project to manage population growth in our region is really starting to take shape – construction on the 650-space car park is complete and the new station at Richlands is coming together quickly,” said the Premier.
“Springfield motorists will see more progress this week, with a new two lane on-ramp bridge opening at Progress Road on Monday.
“These two full lanes will reduce queuing on Progress Road and make it safer for motorists to merge with the Centenary Highway.”
Ms Bligh said that once complete in 2011 the project will be a vital component in the Government’s plans for growth in the booming western corridor.
“It means that rail commuters will be able to drive to the brand new station at Richlands, removing the need to drive the extra six kilometres to Darra station,” she said.
“That takes hundreds of cars off a busy road and improves congestion for road commuters.”
Minister Nolan said the integrated road and rail project was the first of its kind and would become an integral piece of local infrastructure.
“The coordinated approach to upgrading the Centenary Highway from two to four lanes and building the Richlands railway station has minimised the disruption caused by construction activities,” she said.
“The improved road and public transport infrastructure will assist in managing the rapid growth in the western corridor,” she said.
State Member for Inala and Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs Annastacia Palaszczuksaid she looked forward to the benefits the project would bring to the local community.
“This is a win for Inala, Richlands, Forest Lake and Carole Park residents and families,” she said.
“The Richlands railway station will have 650 car spaces as well as undercover, secure storage for at least 80 bicycles and a four-bay bus interchange.
“It will also have three taxi set-down bays, and a 15-bay kiss ‘n’ ride area for people to drop off and collect passengers.
“The local community has been involved in the design of the artwork for the project, which reflects the area’s multicultural identity.
“That’s project is a further sign that the Bligh Government is delivering for residents of Southeast Queensland’s fastest growing area.”
The project is being delivered by The Horizon Alliance – a collaboration between QR Network Pty Ltd, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, John Holland Pty Ltd, GHD Pty Ltd and Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd.
For more information on the project, please call 1800 887 464 ( freecall ), email info@horizon.incite.com.au or visit www.qr.com.au/seqip
Contact 07 32244500
Published by:
N/A
Release Date
This story was released on 2009-11-30. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.
