Early works are underway in South Brisbane on the $944 million Brisbane Metro project to allow construction to begin on an underground station.
The Brisbane Metro project is a mass public transport initiative that aims to link suburban bus and train services.
Geotechnical investigation, sewer pump station construction, piling and excavations have begun on the project.
Once the pump station is built, Alexander Smith Place Park will see new plants, street furniture and a drinking fountain installed.
Sewer pump station works are expected to take 12 months to compete at a construction cost of around 8.7 million, funded jointly by the local council and Urban Utilities.
Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the early works were part of the first stage of the project, which would connect 18 stations along dedicated busways between Eight Mile Plains and Roma Street, and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and University of Queensland.
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“There will also be a new fleet of comfortable electric metro vehicles, with USB charging points, on board Wi-Fi and large doors for quicker boarding,” Vasta said.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the early works were a critical milestone for the Brisbane Metro.
“We have work ramping up at the Rochedale depot and now early works underway in the city centre to allow for the new underground station,’’ Schrinner said.
“This project is creating jobs and a world-class public transport system to ensure residents get home quicker and safer, while also catering for future city growth.
“The new underground station at the Cultural Centre will be a key part of Brisbane’s greater transport network and will help link the city to the suburbs, making it easier for you to connect to the people and places you love.”
Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge said the Brisbane Metro would get commuters home considerably quicker, with frequent peak hour services to be provided once the project is completed.
“New high-frequency services will link with suburban bus and train services, really helping to connect the city to the suburbs and easing congestion bottlenecks,” Tudge said.