Brisbane’s underground bus and train project has been named the BaT (Bus and Train) Tunnel after an extensive competition, giving the winner, Capalaba’s Lynne Doyle six months of free travel.
Premier Campbell Newman said the name for the once-in-a-generation project featuring a split level transport tunnel was chosen from almost 1,000 entries in the month-long competition.
“We are delivering better infrastructure through better planning as we promised at the election, and today we are announcing the name and releasing the draft reference design,” Mr Newman said.
“We are now getting down to the business end of the modelling and consultation for this project, to unlock the future of public transport through the heart of Brisbane.
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the draft reference design was now open for public feedback and included a new location for the George Street station and minor adjustments to the alignment.
Mr Nicholls said six community information sessions would take place from 27 March to 9 April in and around Brisbane.
Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the project was generating a lot of interest from industry and the community.
“This design now outlines the full scope of the project, including the location of a station at 63 George St to service QUT, Brisbane’s CBD and the Queen’s Wharf Precinct,” Mr Emerson said.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the release of the Draft Reference Design was a critical step in the planning process for the BaT Tunnel.
“With the release of draft Reference Designs we are one step closer to delivering this world-class public transport project for Brisbane,” Cr Quirk said.
The Final Reference Design and Environmental Impact Statement are expected to be available for public comment later this year.
Conceptual images have been released for the three new underground BaT stations for Woolloongabba, George Street (Queens Wharf) and Roma Street.
It is not yet known if the new CBD station which is to be situated underneath 63 George Street on the corner of George and Mary street will be connected to the new Queens Wharf Integrated Resort via an underground passage like in many asian cities.
Woolloongabba Station Conceptual Image:
George Street (Queens Wharf) Station Conceptual Image:
Roma Street Station Conceptual Image:
The project is due to be completed in 2020 and operational in 2021. Detailed maps of the Draft Reference Design are available online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ubat and at upcoming community information sessions.
