Cross River Rail: Transforming Brisbane's Transport Network

Queensland, Brisbane is one of Australia's fastest-growing cities, with a population of over 2.5 million people. As the city continues to expand, there is an increasing demand for a reliable and efficient transport network. By unlocking a bottleneck in the heart of Brisbane's transportation network, the Cross River Rail initiative will enhance travel times throughout South East Queensland.

With the construction of a 10.2-kilometre railway stretching from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, including twin tunnels spanning 5.9 kilometres beneath the Brisbane River and CBD. The new line offers a much-needed alternative to the present rail system, which is almost at full capacity. The project is due for completion in 2025 and is expected to be operational in 2026 after it meets the extensive testing regime.

Above-Ground Development: The Exhibition Station

The Cross River Rail project will deliver significant above-ground development. This includes new stations at Albert Street, Roma Street, Woolloongabba, and an upgraded Exhibition station with the Brisbane Showgrounds. Exhibition station stands out with its sleek and modern design, which is expected to add an iconic touch to Bowen Hills' dining and entertainment precinct.

As a key feature of the Cross River Rail project, Exhibition station will provide rail services year-round for Brisbane's fastest-growing areas, unlocking new opportunities for the city's economy. It will serve as a vital transport hub for the RNA Showgrounds redevelopment, King Street precinct, Herston Quarter, and the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. The station's accessibility features, including lifts and tactile paving ensuring easy access to the platforms for all passengers.

Mild Structural Steel and Three-Coat Paint System

According to Will Burge, Dulux® Protective Coatings Business Queensland State Sales Manager, "The four-coat paint system used on the mild structural steel provides a high level of protection against corrosion, thus ensuring the longevity of the stations structures and surfaces. It's an effective system that safeguards infrastructure and enhances its durability."

The system used on the mild structural steel consists of:

• 1st coat: Dulux® Zincanode® 402 @ 75-microns (µm) DFT – utilizes a cold cure hardener, allowing for application even in colder months, while also offering rapid dry and overcoat times.

• 2nd coat: Dulux® Duremax® GPE MIO @ 200-microns (µm) DFT - features Micaceous iron oxide pigmentation, providing an additional barrier of protection. This coat is suitable for use on steel, galvanized steel, and concrete, and is compatible with inorganic zinc and epoxy primers. Additionally, it can be topcoated with a wide range of coating types.

• 3rd coat: Dulux® Quantum® V92 @ 125-microns (µm) DFT - provides a high-quality finish suitable for areas with high demand, including commercial facades, road and rail infrastructure, retail complexes, and high-rise offices and apartments.

• Topcoat: Dulux® Quantum® V92 Satin Clear @ 75-microns (µm) DFT