Project Profile: Cross River Rail (CRR), Queensland

The Cross River Rail (CRR) project is a critical transport infrastructure upgrade in Brisbane, Australia, designed to unlock the core capacity bottleneck of the South East Queensland rail network. It introduces a second river crossing via 5.9km of twin-bore tunnels and implements the ETCS Level 2 digital signalling system to significantly increase service frequency, reliability, and network efficiency.

Technical Specifications

The core of the CRR project is the 10.2km rail line connecting Bowen Hills and Dutton Park. This route includes 5.9km of twin-bore tunnels constructed beneath the Brisbane River and the Central Business District (CBD). Civil works include the construction of four new high-capacity underground stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street, and Roma Street, designed to serve as major transport and economic hubs. Additionally, the project scope covers the upgrade of eight existing surface stations and the construction of three new stations on the Gold Coast Line to enhance regional connectivity.

A primary technological advancement is the network-wide implementation of the European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2). This digital, in-cab signalling system replaces traditional lineside signals, enabling more trains to run closer together safely, thereby boosting network capacity and operational flexibility. The system underwent rigorous pilot testing on the Shorncliffe line to ensure seamless integration with Queensland Rail’s New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) fleet. Further infrastructure enhancements include the expansion of the Mayne North Yard to increase stabling capacity by 17 six-car trains and the installation of bi-directional signalling to improve network resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Unlocks Core Network Capacity: By providing a second rail crossing in the inner city, CRR directly resolves the single point of failure at the Merivale Bridge, allowing for a significant increase in train services across the entire South East Queensland network.
• Future-Proofs with Advanced Technology: The adoption of ETCS Level 2 signalling is a generational upgrade that enhances safety, boosts capacity, and provides the digital foundation for future network optimization and automation.
• Catalyst for Urban and Economic Growth: The new stations are strategically located in key growth precincts, improving access to employment, education, and entertainment, thereby stimulating transit-oriented development and economic activity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Cross River Rail open for passengers?
The Cross River Rail project is scheduled to complete major construction and systems testing throughout 2025. Passenger services are expected to commence in 2026, following the successful completion of the comprehensive testing and commissioning phase.

Who is building the Cross River Rail project?
The project is being delivered by the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA) on behalf of the Queensland Government. The primary construction and systems integration work is carried out by three key private sector consortiums: the PULSE consortium for tunnels and stations, the UNITY Alliance for rail systems, and the Sequence Alliance for the ETCS signalling system.