WORK to fix the dangerous level crossing at Lindum Station is at a standstill despite $105 million committed to an upgrade.
Brisbane City Council has invested more than $5 million in the project, making some improvements including a smoother road surface, safer median islands and an extended boom gate, and has completed the design of a new station crossing.
However the Council says it is awaiting a funding agreement from the Federal and State governments to progress to construction.
Council’s project plan involves a realigned level crossing with traffic signals, moving the traffic crossing from Kianawah Rd further down North Rd closer to Lindum Rd.
The project is being led by BCC, with $20 million committed by the Federal Government, $10 million from the State Government and $10 million from BCC.
The former Morrison Government announced a further $65 million “to fix the level crossing” in 2019 as part of the Coalition’s $4 billion Urban Congestion Fund.
State Member for Lytton Joan Pease wrote to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner last week requesting an update on the status of the road network upgrade for the Lindum Precinct Project.
In the letter, Ms Pease asked about reasons for the delay, and any remaining approvals or funding matters that needed to be resolved.
“This project has been a longstanding priority for our area due to the significant safety issues and traffic delays caused by the current crossing, with all levels of government committed to delivering short, medium and long-term solutions to ensure safety for all users of this precinct,” she said.
Federal Member for Bonner Kara Cook confirmed the Australian Government had committed $85 million to the Lindum Rail Crossing Upgrade project and said the upgrades were a major priority for the local community.
“This project is about saving lives, reducing frustration on the road, and ensuring our transport network keeps up with the needs of our growing community,” Ms Cook said.
“We are working together across all levels of government to make sure this crossing is upgraded in a way that delivers lasting benefits for our community, but the ball is firmly in the court of Council and the State at this time.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg dismissed the local MPs’ calls for action on the crossing project as a “scare campaign”.
“Despite the hollow rhetoric of Labor members who failed to deliver for their community when in government for the last decade, the fact is not a single level crossing was removed in South East Queensland in the last 10 years,” he said.
“The Crisafulli Government is continuing to support Brisbane City Council, including through engagement with the Australian Government, to progress the Lindum Station Level Crossing upgrade.”
Council’s Acting Chair for Infrastructure Danita Parry said local residents had strongly welcomed the design of the next stage.
“We’re encouraged by this positive feedback and will continue working with the State and Federal governments as planning for the future stage progresses.”
