Train commuters across South East Queensland are being warned of extended disruptions after union protected industrial action over the Easter long weekend delayed critical rail works.
Scheduled track closures originally set to run from April 3 to 26 will now be extended through to April 30, with several major sections impacted.
Multiple days of planned work were lost due to the industrial action, forcing authorities to push back timelines to ensure key infrastructure projects can be completed.
Major works had been due to begin on Good Friday, April 3, but were unable to start until Easter Monday, April 6, after the Fair Work Commission issued orders on Easter Sunday requiring protected industrial action to be lifted.
The revised closure dates will see the Caboolture to Gympie North section reopen on April 13, while closures between Bowen Hills, Eagle Junction and Northgate will now continue until April 16.
The Boggo Road to Banoon closure will run the longest, extending until May 1.
Queensland Rail Chief Executive Officer Kat Stapleton said replacement services would remain in place to support commuters during the extended disruption.
“As a result of the need to deliver the works and the delay from protected industrial action over the Easter long weekend, the track closure has been extended to minimise future impacts on customers,” Ms Stapleton said.
“We understand that our customers are frustrated by these delays and we share that frustration.
“Rail replacement buses will continue to operate as frequently as possible into the extended closure, as well as regular bus services, to help customers complete their journeys.
“Due to the extension of the closure, rail replacement buses will need to be allocated across multiple closure areas, so some services may run at a reduced frequency.
“Updated information about available rail replacement bus services will be updated in the Translink journey planner in the coming days and customers are urged to allow additional travel time if they are travelling on the network.”
Ms Stapleton said negotiations with unions were continuing as both sides worked towards a new enterprise agreement.
“We have had some very productive discussions with the unions over the last few days,” she said.
“We hope that we will be able to reach a new, fair deal in the coming weeks that allows us to focus on delivery of quality rail services for passengers and freight customers.”
The closures are part of a broader program of upgrades across the network, including Cross River Rail supporting works, the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1, Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail, Loganlea Station Relocation, the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, European Train Control System upgrades and general track maintenance.
Updated travel information will be made available through the TransLink app and journey planner in the coming days.
