Concept Only Disclaimer
The following concept is for discussion and exploration purposes only.
It is not expected to be funded or built within the next 30 years.
Victoria Point Line (Rail)
Huge cost aside, I’ve been interested in exploring the question of how could we serve the transport demand out to Victoria Point?
Current solutions focus on a surface level Eastern Busway out to Capalaba.
This, however, does little to service the residents and demand of a growing Victoria Point and the Redlands area, which is a further 15 km away.
A rail line would have a number of advantages:
- Speed - up to 160 km/hr (with wider stop spacing) which is good for the 30 km distance
- Capacity - can use Cleveland line capacity released from CRR opening
- Simpler Eastern Busway - busway can be built as Brisbane Metro on the surface and this can end at Carindale.
Concept Map - Victoria Point Line (Rail mode)
(click to expand image)
Concept Description
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Trains enter a tunnel between Buranda Station and the current Coorparoo Station
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The existing Coorparoo Station is closed to allow the level crossings at Cavendish Road and Stanley Street East to be removed and grade separated.
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A new Coorparoo Square Station is created in the vicinity of corner Cavendish Rd and Old Cleveland Rd. This allows bus connections and replaces the existing Coorparoo train station.
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The Eastern Busway is extended as Brisbane Metro BRT on the surface of Old Cleveland Road (Priority B) with the final busway stop at Carindale Interchange (Carindale Shopping Centre). Passengers travelling further than this will transfer and use the new train line.
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Chandler / Tilley Road Station (positioned near cross streets for optimal bus access)
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Capalaba Station
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Alexandra Hills / Vienna Road Station (positioned near cross streets for optimal bus access)
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Thornlands / Woodlands Drive Station (positioned near cross streets for optimal bus access)
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Victoria Point / Bunker Road Station (positioned near cross streets for optimal bus access)
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Redlands / German Church Road Station (positioned near cross streets for optimal bus access)
Comments
The line would be approximately 31 km in length, double track and have about 8 stations on it. This gives a ~ 3.8 km station spacing.
Project could be staged in two parts - Buranda to Capalaba, then Capalaba to Redland Bay.
Project would be very expensive. Using a test value of $180 million/km:
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Stage 1 Buranda to Capalaba (15 km x 180 million) = $2.7 billion ballpark
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Stage 2 Capalaba to Victoria Pt (16 km x 180 million) = $2.9 billion ballpark
The expected travel time between Buranda and the concept Victoria Point station would be expected to be about 30 minutes or so (depending on many factors, so approximate).
A key thing would be to ensure that a corridor was identified and protected so that surface land is available when the time comes.