By ashleykaren
Under Brisbane progress is advancing on the next phase of works in Cross River Rail’s twin tunnels, with workers continuing the installation of required pipes and cables.
Approximately 180 workers are involved in the tunnel fit-out, which comprises installing emergency walkways, pipes, and hundreds of kilometers of various kinds of cabling to secure the safe and reliable operation of trains in the tunnels.
Until now, work is underway on about 40 percent of the 10km of emergency walkways, while 12km of pipes have been installed.
Almost 18km of feeder cables have been installed as yet, which will supply communications coverage via the tunnels, such as for mobile phone reception and train signaling equipment.
In addition, hundreds of further kilometers of electrical and high-speed fiber optic cables will be installed, enabling equipment in the tunnels to be installed and worked remotely.
Concurrently, work is also advancing on the 16 cross passages that connect the twin tunnels, with elements such as lights, speakers, cameras, smoke detectors, and emergency phones being installed.
The cross passages, which link Cross River Rail parallel train tunnels every 240m, are a vital safety feature that lets people move from one tunnel to the other in the far-fetched event of an emergency.
As the walkway and cable installation moves closer to fulfillment, the stress will shift to the overhead electrical system installation that will deliver power to the trains as they move through the tunnels.
Most of the tunnel fit-out work is anticipated to be finished in early 2024, which will be followed by comprehensive testing and commissioning.
Mark Bailey, Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister declared that with the tracks laid and the mechanical and electrical fit-out of Cross River Rail’s tunnels well underway, this transformational project is truly coming to life.
Mr. Bailey stated: “While some people might not realize it’s even happening beneath their feet, the important work currently underway in the tunnels will ensure trains can operate reliably and safely.”
“Building a new underground rail line is no simple task, and the efforts underway to bring all these complex systems together is a credit to the hundreds of workers involved.
“It’s always incredible to see just how much progress is being made, and you can really start to get a sense of what Cross River Rail will look like once complete.”
“It’s exciting to think that these tunnels will soon make it easier to get around on our rail network, including to our four new underground stations and the year-round station being built at Exhibition,” added Bailey.
