Some of the world’s most cutting edge public transport design and technology was on show as Premier Campbell Newman toured New York’s East Access Rail Line project during his US trade mission.
Mr Newman said the project underneath New York’s iconic Grand Central Station was a good model for Queensland’s own underground bus and rail network, which is set to transform transport in Brisbane’s CBD.
“The Brisbane project will create hundreds of jobs and is a major project that delivers on our election commitments,” Mr Newman said.
“We promised to grow construction as one of the four pillars of the economy and we promised to revitalise frontline services and create jobs.
“We can learn from the New York city experience as it goes through the process of building its major rail system to service the Eastern part of the state.
“This New York project involves major station cavern construction and deep levelled stations beneath existing and operating rail stations and city environments.
“Brisbane’s Underground Bus and Train network project shares many similarities with the East Access Rail project, including major tunnelling and excavation as well as concourse and terminal construction.
“The double stacked platforms within the station cavern at Grand Central will be very similar to the three major underground stations at Woolloongabba, George Street and Roma Street.
“Jobs growth and building the economy are keys to this trade mission and New York’s experience with its project will help us achieve both these aims in Queensland.”
Mr Newman said he also spent time at the rejuvenated 9/11 memorial site during his time in New York.
“Many Australians were killed and injured in the devastating events that took place on 11 September 2001 and it is important that we remember them,” he said.
The Premier is currently leading a group of Queensland companies on a trade mission to promote the State’s industries in Los Angeles, New York and Houston.
