Infrastructure Developments Signal Revitalization for Brisbane City

Brisbane is soon to boast the best runway system in the world with the construction of the New Parallel Runway (NPR), the biggest aviation project in Australia, currently underway.

Brisbane is soon to boast the best runway system in the world with the construction of the New Parallel Runway (NPR), the biggest aviation project in Australia, currently underway.

The 2^nd Annual Queensland Infrastructure Project Conference sets the stage for discussions about the exciting new venture which is expected to deliver an economic benefit of around $5 billion per year by 2035 to the region.

In 2016 Brisbane ranked third among domestic airports with passenger movements of 1.54 million. Sydney remained Australia’s busiest domestic airport with 2.34 million passenger movements, followed by Melbourne with 2.15 million passenger movements.

With the construction of the second runway at Brisbane Airport, international flights are expected to rise dramatically, growing from 227 000 in 2014-15 to over 360 000 by 2035. The runway will accommodate the same capacity as Singapore and Hong Kong airports, taking its crown as the best runway system in Australia. The number of annual passengers will rise from 22 million in 2014 to approximately 50 million by 2035.

The project has seen 360 hectares of soft marshland reclaimed through the pumping of 11 million cubic metres of sand onto the site which, over the course of four years, will form a solid foundation for the runway.

Throughout the process, the project will create 2,700 construction jobs. Additionally, 7,800 jobs are expected to be generated for the Brisbane and Moreton region by 2035 due to additional capacity.

While the NPR is considered the biggest aviation project in Australia, the airport has approximately 100 concurrent construction projects underway throughout the next 10 years. These redevelopments will look to meet the forecast increase in demand through redevelopments focusing on major new access roads, terminal and apron pavement expansions, new aircraft taxi lanes, new aircraft parking bays and the establishment of a thriving retail centre and aeronautical training precinct.

Despite major airport expansions, the project will also look to reduce noise exposure to the Brisbane community, especially at night.

Brisbane Airport is also set to be regarded as a world-best digital airport. Innovative digital solutions will enable improved international travel experiences through developments such as the new Brisbane Airport App and Digital Departure Card initiative which allows flyers to record and save their personal information between visits, streamlining necessary departure procedures.

New Parallel Runway Project Director Paul Coughlan from the Brisbane Airport Corporation will present an overview of the project, unveiling the latest updates at the Queensland Infrastructure Project Conference.

Alongside the airport redevelopment, the city will also see major improvements to the Brisbane River through the Cross River Rail Project, a high priority infrastructure project which will unlock rail capacity throughout South East Queensland.

With more than $10 billion in infrastructure projects invested into Brisbane city over the next few years, the Cross River Rail Project forms a major part of the upcoming transformation of the State’s transport capacity.

The Cross River Rail project will connect the northern and southern rail networks, easing congestion and improving network reliability. A 10.2 kilometre link will expand from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills and a 5.9 kilometre tunnel will reach under the Brisbane River and CBD.

According to Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jackie Trad, the Cross River Rail project will boost the economy by $70 billion after four decades, creating 84 000 jobs over the same period, linking residential growth areas to key employment hubs.

Cross River Rail Project Director Gavin Nicholls from the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning will discuss the timeline of the project and outline key features as well as network and economic benefits of this state defining project at the Queensland Infrastructure Project Conference.

Other exciting projects on the cards for Brisbane include the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Integrated Resort Development, the Northshore Hamilton urban renewal precinct and the Brisbane Metro Subway system.

The 2^nd annual Queensland Infrastructure Projects Conference will take place on the 25^th & 26^th of October at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/news/infrastructure-developments-signal-revitalisation-for-brisbane-city

Central Station Set for Significant Transformation

One of Brisbane’s most important and iconic rail stations will be transformed thanks to a $67 million, 3 year project that will significantly upgrade the station.

The Central Station upgrade is set to deliver up to 750 jobs during its three year phase in the CBD. It is expected that the project will need a range of professions to undergo construction works such as engineering, electrical, rigging, carpentry, concreting and finishing trades.

Currently, over 140,000 commuters travel through Central Station daily, however the station has not seen a significant upgrade since the 1990’s.

The upgrade will deliver many changes, with a new roof and revamped platforms the most significant works. Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe spoke of the changes to the station, “The most striking feature of the new-look station will be a new, raised roof which will extend over the Edward Street end of the concourse, with a glass façade that will transform the station and inject the space with more light.”

“All the platforms will be modernised with new floor, wall and roof coverings, passenger information displays, CCTV and lighting. We will also raise platforms 1-4 to allow level-entry boarding, which will make it easier for passengers in wheelchairs, parents with prams and those traveling with luggage to access trains.

“The Central station upgrade is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s plan to cater for growth and build the railway service we need for the future.”

Other works include the installation of new lifts and escalators, as well as improved information and boarding displays.

Disruption to passengers will be minimal, with the works set to be done during scheduled night closures, as well as weekends.

It is expected that works will begin later this month on the project.

Source: https://www.projectlink.com.au/news/central-station-set-for-significant-transformation-nd