Link to vision of escalators being lifted out: vimeo.com/644581701/ab5501628b
Central station's brand-new escalators are now open and ready for use, boosting reliability at Queensland Rail's busiest transport hub.
Head of South East Queensland Scott Riedel thanked customers for their patience while the two 40-year old escalators were lifted out and replaced.
"We are pleased to see these new, modern and reliable escalators in place. These units provide connectivity from Central station, under Ann St to Anzac Square Arcade," Mr Riedel said.
"Customers can enjoy the new artwork on the escalator walls, designed by Blaklash Creative, who specialise in First Nations art and design, as well as improvements to lighting.
"These extensive upgrade works involved a 320-tonne crane to remove the set of old escalators, which weighed approximately 20 tonnes each.
"The new escalators were then constructed on-site before being lifted into place."
Mr Riedel said now that the new escalators are up and running, upgrades would commence on the adjacent stairwell.
"The stairs from the station to Ann Street and the Anzac Square Arcade will receive safety upgrades including improvements to slip resistance. As well, we will improve signage, lighting and security cameras in the stairwell, and install new artwork on the wall surfaces," Mr Riedel said.
"While the stairs are temporarily closed, customers can use the new escalators or the nearby lift, with the upgrade expected to be completed by late-2022.
"The escalator upgrades follow on from the successful modernisation of the Central station lifts to platforms 1-4.
"We're pleased our customers will benefit from these improvements at Queensland's busiest train station."
