A new Transit Centre will be built in Brisbane as part of the proposed BaT tunnel project
Brisbane’s Transit Centre is to be demolished and completely rebuilt as part of a huge CBD infrastructure development to meet the city’s transport needs.
The proposed underground Roma St Station for the Bus and Train (BaT) tunnel will now be constructed beneath the rebuilt Transit Centre – instead of next to Roma St Parklands.
Premier Campbell Newman says the revised plan will deliver better bus and train services for families, create construction jobs and make Brisbane a more attractive city.
“Realigning the BaT tunnel after listening to local people has given us a great opportunity to build a new, modern Transit Centre,” he says.
“We’re seizing that opportunity to create a major public transport hub in Roma St that will make travel easier for bus and train passengers.”
Minister for Transport Scott Emerson says families will be glad to see the Transit Centre demolished.
“The Transit Centre is frequently voted one of Brisbane’s ugliest buildings, but now we have the chance to build an iconic gateway to this city,” he says.
The turnaround facility on Gilchrist Avenue and separate on-ramp connection to the westbound lane of the Inner City Bypass would remain as part of the revised design.
The proposed BaT tunnel was realigned following more than 560 public submissions and a revised reference design assessment report is available for public comment until December 19.
The revised BaT tunnel will be 4km long and run from Dutton Park in the south to Spring Hill in the north, with three new underground stations at Woolloongabba, George St and Roma St.
The tunnel, which is due to open in 2021, will double rail and bus capacity across the Brisbane River, allowing faster, more frequent, more direct and more reliable travel across the south east.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads will work with coach operators to investigate temporary relocation options for the long-distance bus facility, while access to Roma Street Station for rail passengers will be maintained via a temporary access point.