One of the Queensland rail network’s biggest projects has moved forward with two significant contracts awarded for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project.
Bielby Hull Joint Venture and the Martinus Degnan Joint Venture have each been awarded contracts as part of the $5.75-billion initiative, which is jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland governments.
Upgrades included in the project include doubling tracks from two to four lines between Kuraby and Beenleigh, upgrading and rebuilding multiple train stations, and removing five level crossings.
The project will double the capacity of the Gold Coast rail line and reduce waiting times at stations between Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast, Federal infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government minister Catherine King said.
Martinus Degnan Joint Venture has secured the contract for the $173.76-million Loganlea Station Relocation project. ADCO Construction and DT Infrastructure were also shortlisted for the project.
The new station, scheduled to open by mid-2027, will be opposite Logan Hospital, and will enhance connectivity to healthcare, education, and community services, the government said.
With Logan Hospital undergoing its biggest expansion to date, and the university and Loganlea TAFE next door, the new Loganlea station would be a boost to the city’s health and jobs precinct, Queensland health minister Shannon Fentiman said.
Construction of the Loganlea station is expected to commence later this year. The existing station is to remain operational until the new facility is completed.
Bielby Hull Joint Venture, which won the tender over BMD Constructions with Fulton Hogan Construction, will design and execute the Beenleigh Road level crossing removal at Kuraby—the first of five removals planned for the corridor.
The project involves building a new road-over-rail bridge to improve access.
As well, Bielby Hull has been given three to six months to further refine a design solution for the crossing at Bethania to take into account flooding issues and community access. Updated designs are to be made public early next year.
The level crossing removal at Kuraby is scheduled to begin in early 2026.
The project is part of the South East Queensland Level Crossing Program 2024, which is aimed at addressing problematic level crossings across the region.
Queensland Transport Minister Bart Mellish said the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project was “vital to increasing train services between Beenleigh and the Gold Coast”.
“Without it, the network will struggle to cater to a fast-growing population and the capacity to move spectators during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mellish said.
Also in the Queensland rail network, investigations by the Federal and Queensland government have revealed that while the Port of Brisbane’s existing rail network may need upgrades to meet forecast freight demand, a dedicated freight corridor is the preferred long-term prospect.
And planning is under way for improvements to the freight network between the future Inland Rail terminal at Ebenezer and the Port of Brisbane.
The Salisbury to Beaudesert corridor has been earmarked for heavy rail, identified as the “optimal transport mode to address forecast passenger demand”.
King said it was important to do the planning work necessary to ensure the entire Queensland rail network maximises the benefits of Inland Rail over time, “which may include exploring opportunities for improved passenger transport between Toowoomba and Brisbane.”
