Central station is the gateway to the Brisbane Central Business District and the busiest station on our rail network.
We’re modernising and improving station accessibility by upgrading the lift and escalators between the concourse and platforms 5 and 6 at Central station.
Platforms 5 and 6 were opened in 1990 in conjunction with the new tunnel servicing Roma Street to Fortitude Valley. As common with aging assets, the infrastructure at these platforms require regular maintenance and will now be replaced to ensure their ongoing reliability.
Current works
Works are underway to improve reliability of lift and escalator services through the replacement of the escalators and lift to platforms 5 and 6.
The project commenced on Monday 27 April 2026 and is expected to be completed by early 2027. Works will take place in phases to ensure the continuity of escalator access for customers.
During the first phase, the lift and the escalators at the Fortitude Valley station end of the station are closed and will be removed and replaced with a new lift and new escalators. Once these escalators are replaced and reopened, the project will move into the second phase and the escalators at the Roma Street station end will be closed and replaced.
Lift impacts - 27 April to late 2026
While the lift is closed and being replaced, lift access to platforms 5 and 6 will be unavailable.
Customers who require lift access will need to use Roma Street or Fortitude Valley stations where they can change to a service that will arrive at platforms 1, 2, 3 or 4 at Central station.
Customers departing Central station who require lift access will need to catch a service from platforms 1, 2, 3 or 4 and change trains at Roma Street or Fortitude Valley to continue their journey.
Signage will be in place at Roma Street and Fortitude Valley stations to assist customers.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation while these essential works are underway.
Weekend travel
Each weekend, Queensland Rail conducts inspections of the inner-city tracks and tunnels as part of our regular maintenance program.
During these planned inspections, all train services run through platforms 5 and 6 at Central station. The time that is set aside for these inspections are from the first train until approximately 4:30PM.
Whilst this predominately impacts platforms 5 and 6 on Sundays, the day and time of these impacts are subject to change and customers are encouraged to plan their journey with Translink's journey planner, opens in new window.
As the lift at platforms 5 and 6 will be unavailable, customers who require the use of the lift are advised to transfer at Roma Street station to a bus from busway platform 2 and catch a bus service to King George Square (KGS) to access the city.
Platform impacts
For the safety of customers, contractors and staff, hoarding panels will be installed on the platforms around the escalators and lift.
This will impact platform space and we ask customers to take care to stay behind the yellow lines and be patient during peak times.
Previous upgrades
Works completed to date include the refurbishment of back-of-house facilities (with new offices, first aid area and customer communication facilities), as well as the replacement of lifts on platforms 1, 2, 3 and 4. Additionally, the escalators between Central Station and the Anzac Square arcade, and the adjacent stairs have been upgraded to enhance reliability, safety and customer experience.
Enquiries
Phone: 13 16 17 (business hours)
Email:
communityengagement@qr.com.au