There is absolute no reason you cannot reliably run 4tph to shorncliffe with 1 platform if you simply dulpcate the line between sandgate and shorncliff.
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I don’t even know how QR chooses train lines to duplicate. Why did they decide to only duplicate the Ferny Grove line back in the early 2010s while waiting a good decade to upgrade the more patronised Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines? Why does the Cleveland line duplication have to wait after the completion of CRR? What event should happen for QR to consider duplicating the Shorncliffe line (or signal the passing loop at they very barest)?
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I was not involved in the transit space back then. Was duplication really a QR responsibility? I would have thought that sort of project (much like LGCFR) is a TMR/ministerial responsibility. At which point it becomes highly politicised.
So I’d just assumed that at the time, a bunch of Brisbane inner North western seats were marginal and they wanted to duplicate the FG line as a form of pork barreling 
Ferny grove station is one of the busiest non cbd station.
Exactly this.
But does that mean they chose the Ferny Grove line for duplication due to higher patronage, or the Ferny Grove line has a higher patronage due to duplication and higher frequencies?
If the latter, then the choice of the Ferny Grove line for duplication is arbitrary, and the same can be done for the Shorncliffe line and we’ll see the same effects on the upgraded line.
Just looking at the Shorncliffe line timetable, currently there is the following sequence in the timetable
7:18 Depart Sandgate outbound
7:20 Arrive Shorncliffe outbound
7:24 Depart Shorncliffe inbound
7:26 Arrive Sandgate inbound
7:33 Following train depart Sandgate
That looks to me like there is at least 6 minutes buffer in the timetable with a fifteen minute headway. Given that, why is it not possible to run 4tph all day with the current infrastructure?
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I agree. 4tph seems realistic. I think the issue is peak frequencies. It would be very difficult to run any higher frequency to/from Shorncliffe, which I guess means the possible scenario of alternating 4tph from Shorncliffe and 4tph from Sandgate, which is messy but I guess technically feasible with the installation of a crossover point somewhere near Sandgate.
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It might not need more than 4tph even at peak. My concern is to get 4tph to become the standard all day frequency across the network.
Yeah that section might not, although I’d argue that at the very least from Northgate inbound it will need more, although I also realise that this can be done already as it is now. But yes, all day 4tph across the network is ideal and must be a priority.
I’d like to see more densification around the Shorncliffe line stations though as there is a lot of potential for higher demand with a perfectly good rail link already available to support it. If this happened then I’d say a higher peak frequency would be needed.
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I still don’t understand why they decided to electrify the passing loop and Friday St spur at Shorncliffe station without signalling it? What’s the point in enabling electric trains to enter the passing loop if there are no signals (or still using the legacy signalling)?
src: openrailwaymap.org, blue represents ETCS signalling.
srd: openrailwaymap.org, red represents 25kV50Hz electrification.
How much of a process is it to add more balises to certain sections of track? Given that they are still adding more balises during testing, it’s never too late to add more in the Shorncliffe line, even on sections that don’t have ETCS.
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Sticking up a few wires is actually pretty easy compared to messing with signalling.
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Does the passing loop get any use by electric trains despite the lack of signalling? If not, then it’s pretty much pointless to electrify the loop without signalling.
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I’m assuming by signally they mean the remote control colour light signals. Pretty sure there are shunt signals for the loop, just not sure if they are locally controled or centrally controlled
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The metropolitan information pack doesn’t indicate there is any signalling type there other than RCS which would suggest it’s probably centrally controlled (the most recent version of the pack is sufficiently old that ETCS is not included). There might be a local control system in addition that can override.
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I’m working on a submission for this with Greater Brisbane for the Sandgate Centre Precinct. One of the best train stations within 20km of the CBD that’s got good bus changeover, taxi / ride-share, cycling approaches (could be better) and pedestrian friendly at least egressing North.
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Ok so Shorncliffe is a bit of a strange set up the main line is all colour light RCS signalling. The loop is accessed by getting the ground frame release from the fat controller and then operating the points and moving the rolling stock as needed. The loop has gotten ETCS hardware installed on the loop for testing the integration of the frames into it as they have them on the dual gauge which is part of the roll out of etcs. The Shorncliffe line is not just about testing the new system they also need to test a whole set of new safeworking rules for drivers guards controllers and track workers. So all of the closures are for a controlled testing environment which makes it safer for everyone until they have it all worked out for the wider network
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shorny station reopens july 27th fyi
Source QR facebook
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That’s great - minus the fact it still has only one platform…
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They’ve emailed residents. See below:
Shorncliffe station renewal project and accessibility upgrade
Station reopening Monday 27 July
Queensland Rail is pleased to welcome customers back to Shorncliffe station. The charming heritage station has been restored, and we’ve improved accessibility for all customers who travel on our network.
We look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 27 July.
Station features include:
- 1914 heritage footprint and existing awning restored
- 90 metres of high-level platforms
- accessible ramp, toilets and seating
- new wayfinding and platform signage
- improved station building and facilities
- accessibility-complaint ticket window
- improved seating and new platform shelter
- upgraded hearing augmentations loops and tactile ground service indicators
- lighting and CCTV throughout the station and carpark.
Entrance to the restored heritage station building
Upcoming works
Shorncliffe station
Works will be occurring:
- from 6AM to 6PM on Saturday 25 July
- from 6AM Sunday 26 to 4am Monday 27 July
- from 6AM to 6PM each day on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August.
Sandgate station
Works will be occurring:
- around the clock from 6AM Saturday 25 to 6PM Sunday 26 July
- from 6AM to 6PM each day on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August.
Every effort will be made to carry out these works with respect to our neighbours and customers.
Alternative transport
Shuttle bus R346 will cease operating after the last train on Friday 24 July 2026.
Buses will be replacing trains between Shorncliffe and Northgate stations on the weekend of 25 and 26 July during a planned closure of the Shorncliffe line.
The dedicated shuttle bus service for St. Patrick’s College students will cease operating after the last shuttle to Sandgate station on Friday 24 July.
Plan your journey, please visit translink.com.au - this link navigates directly to the Translink website
For more information
For more information, visit the Shorncliffe project website, call Queensland Rail’s Stations Upgrade team on 1800 722 203 (during business hours) or email [email protected]
Thank you for your support over the past eight months. We hope you enjoy your renewed station and all it has to offer.