Design improvements see new rail link costs cut by $159m

  • 2014-06-23
Budget predictions for the new Moreton Bay Rail Link have been downsized to reveal a possible saving of about $159 million.

The 12km track to be laid 2.9km from North Lakes, Queensland, between Kippa-Ring and Petrie was originally estimated to cost $1.147 billion.

However, according to Queensland Transport Minister Scott Emerson, design improvements to the project have reduced delivery costs as it enters the construction phase.

He said despite the reduction to the project, residents can expect a bigger return in the facilities created, including more car parks to stations such as Murrumba Downs and an extra access point provided at Gynther Road.

As work proceeds, residents in the Kallangur to Mango Hill areas have been notified to expect an increased level of truck noise between the hours of 6.30pm and 6.30am.

Specific areas to be affected include Mango Hill’s Capestone Boulevard and Dohles Rock and School roads at Kallanghur, where water will be ferried in by trucks to help control dust.

Further interruptions to the area may be necessary in coming months, and the Government often uses targeted flyer printing campaigns to letterboxes, advising residents when the need arises.

Construction work this month has included earthworks, public utility relocation and drainage, while the program for July will be based around the relocation of Energex, Telstra, and sewer and water services.

Residents will be given plenty of notice of any service interruptions.

To safeguard Halpine Lake’s north-western side during construction, culverts will be installed.