• In a milestone occasion, there has been a ceremonial ‘sod turn’ at Burpengary station, marking construction getting underway on the landmark station accessibility upgrade.
• Burpengary station works are taking shape with the demolition of platform shelters, temporary shelters installed and the reconfiguration of the carpark in preparation for the overpass construction.
• A dedicated shuttle bus will run to nearby Narangba station to keep customers moving during the temporary station closure from 22 January 2024.
Construction is on track at Burpengary station’s landmark accessibility upgrade with an official ‘sod turning’ event marking a special occasion in this iconic station’s history.
Kurwongbah MP Shane King inspected the works and officially turned the sod at the station, which has served the Burpengary community since 1888.
The public has been given a first glimpse of the station’s major transformation with the demolition of platform awnings and shelters completed, as well as the installation of temporary shelters and screw piling.
The western carpark has been reconfigured in preparation for staging the building materials required for the major overpass installation in the new year.
The major upgrade will deliver a more accessible train station for customers by the second half of 2024, making catching a train easier for everybody, but especially those using wheelchairs, pushing prams or carrying heavy luggage.
Before the end of next year, Burpengary station will boast lifts, an overpass and fully raised platforms to reduce the gap, making boarding the train safer and easier for all customers.
A new station building, hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, new wayfinding signage, information screens and better security through CCTV and lighting upgrades are all part of the refurbishment and customer facilities like accessible toilets, a disability-compliant ticket window, improved seating and extended platform shelters are also included.
To deliver the upgrade as safely and quickly as possible, customers are reminded the station will temporarily close in January.
A dedicated shuttle bus from the Burpengary station carpark to nearby Narangba station will run every 10-15 minutes during peak periods with further information available here.
Quotes attributable to the Minister Mark Bailey:
“This is an historic moment for Burpengary station which is undergoing its biggest transformation since it was built more than 135 years ago.”
“Accessibility in public transport has been a major focus of the Queensland Government and with this upgrade, it won’t matter if you use a wheelchair or have suffered an injury, you will be able to catch the train to and from Burpengary station with ease.”
Quotes attributable to Kurwongbah MP Shane King:
“In 1888 all that existed of Burpengary station was a small platform, then came the station building in 1917 and now, this excellent accessibility upgrade will see it continue to serve the community well into the next century,” Mr King said.
“With the ‘sod turned’ we can officially mark a very important journey for inclusivity at Burpengary station.
“The alternative transport plan will keep customers moving with a dedicated shuttle to Narangba to link customers up with their trains.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton:
“We’re hard at work on the Burpengary station of the future with all the modern accessibility standards the community expects, while honouring its significant past,” Ms Stapleton said.
“Officially ‘turning the sod’ is an exciting moment and we’re thrilled to show off the early works already underway.
“We’ve completed piling works, demolition of shelters and installation of temporary shelters and barriers and reconfigured the western carpark to make way for the overpass installation- which will occur in a few short months.
“We listened to Burpengary customers who told us how they’d like to keep moving when the station closes in January for major construction.
“A dedicated shuttle bus will run every 10-15 minutes during peak periods between Burpengary and Narangba stations to link up with the train.
“When complete, customers can look forward to an incredible upgraded station from the accessible drop off points, to lifts to take them up and down to platforms which are closer to the trains – making the whole experience of catching a train easier.”
FURTHER INFORMATION
• As part of the Station Accessibility Upgrade Program upgrades will be delivered at Bundamba, Lindum, Morningside, Buranda, Banyo, and Burpengary stations.
• The Burpengary station building, which has been noted on the Queensland Rail Heritage Register was built in 1917 and will remain in pride of place on the platform as part of the upgrade.
• Since 2017, Queensland Rail has completed 12 full station upgrades including at Alderley, Newmarket, Graceville, Nambour, Dinmore, Morayfield, Boondall, Strathpine, East Ipswich, Dakabin, Cannon Hill and Auchenflower. South Bank Platform 1 was also completed in November 2022.
ENDS