Cross River Rail - Tunnels, Stations and Development PPP
A world class public transport system
The transformational Cross River Rail project is a $6.3 billion investment by the Queensland Government and the first availability public transport PPP in Brisbane.
It is a historic and city-changing solution using the PPP delivery model for the Tunnel, Stations and Development (TSD) package.
Cross River Rail is a significant infrastructure project which when operational, will transform travel across the whole of South East Queensland; journeys will be quicker with new stations in more convenient locations. It will provide a second river crossing at the core of the rail network, enabling capacity for increased frequency of trains across the region as the population grows, helping to reduce congestion and increase network reliability.
South East Queensland's population continues to rise, putting the current transport system under pressure. Cross River Rail will enable a turn-up-and-go public transport system across the entire region.
Cross River Rail’s TSD is being delivered by Pulse, led by CIMIC Group company Pacific Partnerships and involving CPB Contractors and UGL in the Design and Construct Subcontract and UGL as the Facilities Management (FM) provider.
To fulfil the TSD component of the project, Pulse will deliver a 10.2 kilometre rail line including 5.9 kilometres of twin tunnels, four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street and ongoing maintenance services.
As the lead sponsor, Pacific Partnerships led development of the project’s proposal and provided 49% of the equity finance.
CPB Contractors will deliver the design and construction in a joint venture that includes UGL, who will also provide maintenance services for the project over 24 years.
Sustainable construction
The TSD team was recently awarded a ‘leading’ design rating by the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) for embracing sustainable construction to deliver outstanding, innovative and sustainable projects. This is the highest rating possible from ISC, exceeding the target rating of ‘excellent’ which was set for CBGU at the project’s outset.
Exceptional outcomes showcased included a forecast reduction of more than 135,000 tonnes of emissions during construction and operations to 2050. This has been achieved through energy and materials innovations such as high (50%) supplementary cementitious material content within ready-mix concrete; and station entrance designs that maximise light and natural ventilation while reducing energy consumption.
The team is maximising circular economy outcomes by using sustainable recycled glass instead of natural sand or gravel, with the potential to see more than 10,000 tonnes of glass reused.
Industry first training programs include an electrical trades assistant program, endorsed by the Queensland Government as a first.
More than 300,000 hours of training have upskilled the project’s existing workforce and more than 450,000 hours have been dedicated to trainee and apprentice employment.