UPDATE: Major developments in the Cross River Rail project are underway, with the underground CBD stations set for fit-out completion within just one year. The above-ground Albert Street “green spine” is also expected to open in the coming months, marking significant progress in a project that carries a hefty $19.04 billion price tag and a revised delivery date of 2029.
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg confirmed on Saturday that the project remains on schedule, despite previous delays. “Works are really ramping up, and we’re getting on with the job of delivering this really important project,” he stated. The project is currently facing years of testing before it can officially open, leading to concerns over empty stations for an extended period.
The Albert Street station boasts an impressive mezzanine level 25 metres below ground and a platform that reaches a depth of 32 metres, featuring a unique rose-gold theme. Mickelberg attributed productivity boosts to a crackdown on issues at worksites, which he claims has created a safer and more efficient environment for workers.
The number of workers at the Albert Street site has surged from 150 to 350 since late 2024, a change that Graeme Newton, Chief Executive of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, credits to improved job security for employees. However, delays caused by 148 days of industrial action in 2024 still loom large over the project.
As the year comes to a close, Newton announced that the project is “well past halfway” complete, with key construction across the four CBD stations nearing completion. He emphasized the complex nature of the project, noting, “This next 12 months, we’ll see a lot of the construction work and the architectural [works] done.”
Looking ahead, preparations are in place for the testing and commissioning phase, which is crucial for the project’s success. The Albert Street “green spine,” a pedestrian plaza connecting Elizabeth and Mary streets, will begin opening segments early next year. Significant progress has already been made, with some sections ready for pedestrian access as safety measures are put in place.
In a proactive move, parts of the Brisbane CBD near the green spine will be cordoned off during December and January to facilitate more intensive street-level works, including the relocation of tracks and signals. “This is really the best time of year to do it … we’re relocating tracks, signals, overhead lines – that work just can’t be done with trains moving across it,” Mickelberg explained.
The design of the Cross River Rail project aims to create a “giant underground boulevard,” providing spacious, well-lit stations that avoid the usual claustrophobia of typical underground infrastructure. According to communications manager Russell Vine, the design pays homage to Queenslander houses, ensuring a unique architectural experience.
As the project continues to evolve, the focus remains on maintaining safety and productivity, vital for meeting the ambitious 2029 timeline. Stakeholders and the public eagerly await further updates as this transformative infrastructure project moves closer to fruition.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Brisbane prepares for a significant leap in its public transport capabilities.
