Commuters in south-east Queensland will continue to be impacted by track closures, with major works across the network to cause disruptions into next week.
After a week of “chaotic” disruptions, passengers should prepare for further impacts with the extended April track closures to get into full swing.
As high fuel prices continue to put pressure on Queensland households, the timing of the closures has come under some scrutiny.
Here’s what you need to know.
What lines will be affected?
Queensland Rail has advised customers that scheduled track closures in place from April 3 to 26 will now need to be extended until April 30.
This weekend, no trains will be running on the Gold Coast or Beenleigh lines, and major track works will also impact the Airport, Caboolture, Doomben, Redcliffe Peninsula, Shorncliffe and Sunshine Coast lines.
Train lines will be affected for different periods for the rest of April.
Translink advised passengers the best travel option for their commute may change throughout the month, and urged them to plan ahead and allow for extra travel time.
Buses will be replacing trains during the track closures. Bikes and personal mobility devices are not permitted on buses. However, if a bike can be folded in a bag no bigger than 90x70x36 centimetres it can travel on any service.
Luggage can be taken onto services if there is enough space. More information can be found here.
What is the reason for the track closures?
Queensland Rail says the closures will allow for work on several projects to be “undertaken safely and efficiently” and are part of “building a better rail network for Queensland”.
These projects include:
Cross River Rail supporting works (due for operational completion in 2029)Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1 (scheduled for completion in 2027)Logan and Gold Coast Faster RailQueensland Train Manufacturing ProgramEuropean Train Control Systems (ETCS)General track maintenance
Queensland Rail cited protected industrial action by union workers as the reason for the extension of track closures from April 26 to 30.
Sports fans urged to plan ahead
As we head into a big weekend of Brisbane sport, ticket holders have been cautioned on expected public transport delays.
The Brisbane Broncos will face the North Queensland Cowboys at 8pm on Friday at Lang Park.
The Queensland Reds will take on the Crusaders at 7:30pm on Saturday also at Lang Park.
Amongst the public transport track closures, Brisbane City Council has advised drivers to plan ahead for the 2026 Tour de Brisbane event.
The Story Bridge will be fully-closed to the public from 9pm on Saturday, April 11 to 1pm on Sunday, April 12 to accommodate the event.
Track closures cause crowds at stations
Due to track closures down the line this week, many commuters relied on Bowen Hills Station to make their connections.
Loading…
Nidhi Gupta, a regular public transport commuter, said the station was “chaotic” during peak times.
“I regularly go to the office by train, it took me extra time to get into the office [on Tuesday] morning and I reached home 45 minutes late,” she said.
“I feel like working from home next week if the tracks will be closed.”
Alison from Manly West, decided to take her work laptop home in case track closures make it too hard for her to make it into work.
“It’s just what I’ve decided to do to save myself the inconvenience if there is any,” she said.
“Other people at work have had trouble getting to work.”
Mark Sumner from Wellington Point comes into the city once a week. He doesn’t believe the disruptions will impact his commute.
Mark Sumner says while not directly impacted some of his colleagues had opted to drive to work instead of taking the train. (ABC News: Hannah Moon)
“There hasn’t been a problem so far,” he said.
However he said some colleagues have switched to driving to work, to avoid public transport disruptions.
“I’ve got a hybrid so it’s OK but I imagine it’s tough especially if you have a diesel car,” he said.
Timing of track closures questioned
A spokesperson for Brent Mickelberg says the works had been scheduled since July last year. (ABC News: Lucas Hill)
As Australians are being encouraged to switch to public transport to save fuel, for people who have no choice but to drive the Queensland government has faced criticism over the timing of these works.
A spokesman for Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the works had been scheduled since July last year.
“Essential work, including critical maintenance works, was planned for a period when fewer Queenslanders are using the network,” they said.
Deputy Labor Leader Cameron Dick said the planned works should have been reconsidered in the current climate.
“The timing of this shutdown, the timing of this shutdown couldn’t be worse with record fuel prices hurting families and businesses across the state,” he said.