Major upgrades to Auchenflower station complete

Multimillion-dollar accessibility upgrades to Queensland’s Auchenflower station are now complete, including a brand new pedestrian overpass over the rail corridor, a new footbridge with lift access and partially raised platforms.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said the completion of the Auchenflower upgrade was a massive milestone for the $500 million station accessibility upgrade programme.

“Whether you’re in a wheelchair, pushing a pram or carrying luggage, this upgraded station will be much easier for you to use. I’m sure the growing Auchenflower community will love their new station,” Mr Bailey said.

The new and improved station comes as part of the Queensland Government’s more than $7.1 billion investment in rail over the next four years.

Member for Cooper, Jonty Bush, said workers had delivered a range of improvements, including accessibility additions for hearing and visually impaired customers.

“We know how important Auchenflower station is for people going to and from Wesley, so it’s great to see these upgrades completed,” Ms Bush said.

The upgrades include a new station building and ticket office, more shelter and improved security cameras and lighting. All platforms are accessible by lifts and stairs, the hearing amplification loop has been upgraded and the accessibility of the car park has been improved, making the station easier for all Queenslanders to use.

The upgrades form part of the Queensland Government’s nearly $3.9 billion four-year transport and roads plan for Brisbane, while supporting 3,280 local jobs.

Ms Bush said the works were a long-term investment in community infrastructure.

“There have been road closures, night works and noise, but all these annoyances come with improvement works of this scale,” Ms Bush said.

“At the end of the day, the results were outstanding, and I thank the community for their patience while we rolled up our sleeves and got the job done.”

Queensland Rail chief executive Kat Stapleton said the finishing touches were placed on the station this month.

“We’ve delivered a life-changing accessibility upgrade that means more Queenslanders can catch more trains and we’re proud to see Auchenflower come to life,” Ms Stapleton said.

“This station is one of our busiest hubs, with just under half a million passenger journeys passing through each year.

“Our goal is to provide a world-class rail line, and by integrating active travel options with these much-needed accessibility upgrades, we are on track to deliver that for our customers.”

Those using multiple modes of transport have been provided with new cycle facilities with cycle storage, better drop-off points and upgrades to the car park.

“We’re building the public transport system to complement our active lifestyle – it’s how our customers want to travel,” Ms Stapleton said.

Ms Stapleton praised the local community for their patience during the building process.

“These accessibility upgrades mean we’re helping everyone catch public transport,” Ms Stapleton said.

Queensland Rail has also recently completed major upgrades to East Ipswich, Dakabin and Cannon Hill stations as part of its ongoing Station Accessibility Upgrade Program.

Next in line for upgrades are Banyo, Bundamba, Burpengary, Lindum and Morningside stations, with major works expected to start later in 2023.

The Cross River Rail Delivery Authority is also delivering fully accessible stations at the new exhibition station as well as from Dutton Park to Salisbury on the Beenleigh line.

“We’re not just building Cross River Rail, we’re building a new network,” Mr Bailey said