The Gabba and Brisbane CBD are now connected by underground train tracks in both directions beneath the Brisbane River for the first time in history, marking the latest milestone for the transformational Cross River Rail project.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said more than three kilometres of train tracks, in each direction, now connected the future Albert Street and Woolloongabba stations.
"Cross River Rail now has rail crossing under the river," Mr Bailey said.
"This is a huge milestone for the project and for south east Queensland as we continue to make progress on Queensland's biggest rail project.
"What we're seeing here today is the track that will move our growing population, footy fans and future games goers once Cross River Rail is operational.
"Better yet, the major project continues to support good jobs right across the South East with 15 active project sites around the network.
"Cross River Rail is key to unblocking the bottleneck on the rail network and delivering better train services for Queenslanders."
Mr Bailey said about 60 workers were involved in completing the sections of track in the twin tunnels.
"The work going on beneath the CBD and the river itself to build Brisbane's new underground is incredible, and I thank all the workers involved for their efforts," he said.
"All up, crews laid about 385 tonnes of rail between the two future stations, setting about 9400 blocks in roughly 2800 cubic metres of concrete.
"As the first set of tracks to be complete, they also represent the start of the significant rail revolution already underway in Queensland, of which Cross River Rail is just the start.
"These tracks now under the river will help create the capacity in our network and realise the benefit of other investments, including the Beerburrum to Nambour and Kuraby to Beenleigh track upgrades.
"The Palaszczuk Government's pipeline of rail investment is just another example of the State Labor Government's commitment to keeping Queensland moving as our population grows.
"It's full steam ahead as we continue another cracking year of Cross River Rail construction."
Mr Bailey said crews were now starting work on the mechanical and electrical components in the completed section, while tracks were being laid throughout the rest of the tunnels, with works expected to continue throughout next year.
Tunnel tracks fast facts:
- The first sections of track have been completed in Cross River Rail's tunnels – the upline and downline between the future Woolloongabba and Albert Street stations.
- In these sections, 3192 metres of track has been installed in both twin tunnels.
- That equates to:
- About 6400 metres of rail (two rails per track), weighing about 385 tonnes.
- 9400 low vibration blocks (which the rail sits on), weighing between 97kg to 119kg each.
- 2800 cubic metres of concrete poured to secure tracks.
- About 60 workers have been involved in installing the tracks.
- All up, about 25 kilometres of rail will be installed in Cross River Rail's tunnels.
