South East Queensland train service closures for Christmas, New Year period

Cross River Rail works will result in track closures in December and January. (ABC News: Sarah Richards)

All south-east Queensland train lines will face closures from late December to mid-January amid critical works needed for the $6.3 billion Cross River Rail project.

Different tracks will be closed on different days between December 23 and January 18 and the state government is promising alternative travel options will be offered.

The Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines, as as well as inner-city train stations, will be closed during stage one of works on December 23.

During stage two, between December 24 and 26, the Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Doomben, Airport, Shorncliffe, Sunshine Coast/Caboolture, and Redcliffe Peninsular lines will be affected.

Inner city stations, as well as the Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Doomben, Airport, Shorncliffe, Sunshine Coast/Caboolture, and Redcliffe Peninsula lines will be affected during stage three between December 27 and 29.

The fourth round of closures will impact the Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Doomben, Airport, Sunshine Coast/Caboolture, Shorncliffe, and Redcliffe Peninsula lines on December 30.

The Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines will face closures between December 31 and January 1 during the fifth stage of works.

This will be followed by closures affecting the Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Doomben, Airport, Shorncliffe, Sunshine Coast/Caboolture and Redcliffe Peninsula lines between January 2 and 5.

These lines are impacted again between January 8 and 12.

The Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Doomben, Airport, Sunshine Coast/Caboolture, Shorncliffe, and Redcliffe Peninsula lines will be affected between January 6 and 7, and again between January 13 and 14.

In the final stage of closures between January 15 and 18, the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines will be affected.

Lines affected by works could remain partially open while works are underway.

‘We appreciate your patience’

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the works had been scheduled in the quieter December-January period in a bid to minimise impacts to commuters.

“However, we do know that some people will be affected and we appreciate your patience while these important works are carried out,” he said in a statement.

“Cross River Rail will transform how we travel across South East Queensland in the future — but construction now does mean impacts to train services.”

Acting head of Translink Peter Milward said customers should plan ahead and allow for extra travel times during the track closures.

“There will be plenty of alternative transport arrangements available to get you where you need to be,” he said.

“You’ll be able to catch express and all stop alternative transport services to get you to and from work or the airport.

“There will be additional bus and train services on New Year’s Eve, alternative travel options on Christmas Day and special event buses for the Brisbane International tennis event.”

Cross River Rail is set to be open to the public in the first quarter of 2026.

The works to be done over December and January include station accessibility upgrades, track reconfigurations, and tunnel portal improvements.