Construction works in the 20-metre-deep station box at Cross River Rail's Roma Street site have reached ground level, marking the mega project's latest milestone.
Acting Premier Steven Miles said the progress was equivalent to a six-storey building being constructed below ground, with crews using 7,520 cubic metres of concrete and 14,700 tonnes of steel in the station box so far.
"Right now the ground level looks like a concrete slab, but it is the work beneath it which makes the milestone so impressive," Mr Miles said.
"The station box will house the lifts and escalators customers will use on their way down to the underground platforms.
"Roma Street station will become our state's single most significant transport interchange, so it's exciting to see the significant progress underway."
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said progress would become more visible during 2023, with around 150 workers on site.
"Construction is continuing on the station box's back-of-house structure, which will start rising out of the ground early this year," Mr Bailey said.
"Piling works will also commence shortly ahead of installation of structural steel for the station's canopy towards the middle of the year.
"When the canopy is complete, it will rise approximately 23 metres above ground level.
"As all of this work takes place, it will mean changes throughout the year to access for customers using the existing Roma Street station, with details to be made available well in advance."
Member for McConnel Grace Grace said works were also progressing well in Roma Street's 280-metre-long station cavern, with about 13,100 cubic metres of concrete and 1,800 tonnes of steel used to complete its permanent lining.
"This is just one of four underground stations under construction and one of more than 15 separate sites where work is currently underway to deliver this transformational project," Ms Grace said.
"We're not just building Cross River Rail – we're building a new network.
"Over the next four years we're investing over $7.1 billion into Queensland's rail network, making rail a much better option for people all over the state."
Roma Street fast facts
- Construction in the 20-metre-deep Roma Street station box has now reached the surface – or L0 – level.
- 7,520 cubic metres of concrete and 14,700 tonnes of steel has been installed in the station box so far.
- The station box will house the main station, which will rise 23 metres above ground level, and the lift and escalators that will transport people to platform level.
- The new Roma Street station platforms will be about 220-metres long and sit up to 27 metres below the ground.
- More than 46,000 people are expected to use the new Roma Street station each weekday by 2036.
