The Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) Rail Upgrade is a major project to enhance the North Coast Line in Queensland. This upgrade will make the rail line safer, more efficient, and capable of handling increased traffic, benefiting passengers and freight services across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and Brisbane. It’s also a key part of improving public transport in the Sunshine Coast for the future.
The project is a priority for the Queensland Government, as the current rail line lacks the capacity to meet the growing demand for both passengers and freight. A 2015 audit predicted that northern Queensland’s population would grow by 1.9% annually until 2031, resulting in a greater need for key transportation along the north-south corridor.
Project Stages
The upgrade will be completed in stages. Stage 1 will focus on:
- Building 3 new bridges
- Upgrading 3 level crossings
- Expanding 3 park-and-ride facilities
- Doubling the rail track between Beerburrum and Beerwah
- Creating a new bus interchange at Landsborough Station
The Impacts
- Increased capacity for both passengers and freight
- A more efficient network for smoother travel
- More parking with expanded park-and-ride facilities
- Improved safety for rail and road users
- Better options for active transport (walking, cycling)
- Support for regional growth and the economy
Key upgrades
- Track duplication between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains (improved alignment), and from Glass House Mountains to Beerwah (existing alignment)
- Intersection upgrades at Beerburrum Road and Steve Irwin Way, including a new road overpass on Beerburrum Road
- Park-and-ride expansion at Beerburrum, Landsborough and Nambour stations
- Replacement of the Barrs Road level crossing at Glass House Mountains with a new road overpass; closure of 2 private level crossings with alternative access
- Realignment of a 1km section of Steve Irwin Way to accommodate the new rail corridor
The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade is funded by both the Australian and Queensland Governments. The total investment for the project is $1.004 billion. The Australian Government is contributing $616.7 million, while the Queensland Government is providing $387.5 million. This funding will support the construction, track duplication, infrastructure improvements, and station upgrades that will be essential for enhancing regional transport and accommodating future growth.
This project is also committed to sustainability, aiming for a formal Infrastructure Sustainability Council rating of ‘Excellent’ for both the design and construction phases. Sustainability targets are aligned with the Infrastructure Sustainability Management Plan, which focuses on delivering positive outcomes for the environment, society, the economy, and governance.
Arche’s contribution
In a previous role, Arche’s Walter Hodgins worked on the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade project as a part of the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Walter was responsible for developing project plans and schedules, communicating with contractors, and mentoring the planning team.
Planning and scheduling scope
- Developed integrated project and portfolio schedules to optimise staging, access and resource use
- Resource-loaded schedules to forecast role demand and support resourcing decisions
- Produced look-ahead programs, tracked the critical path and advised on re-sequencing and risk
- Reviewed planning/scheduling documents and subcontractor programs for quality, compliance and logic; identified risks
- Maintained designated schedules and resolved logic/float issues to keep the program aligned
- Liaised with the project team and contractors on interfaces, access windows and schedule updates
- Worked with the project manager to update monthly schedules and prepare governance reports
- Briefed senior project staff on schedule progress and exceptions
- Mentored the planning team and standardised schedule development and maintenance
This pre-Arche experience strengthens our program delivery capability, particularly in schedule control, interface management, and planning discipline on complex rail corridors.
The Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) Rail Upgrade project highlights the importance of upgrading rail infrastructure to meet modern demands. The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade involves improving station facilities, optimising track alignment for faster services, and enhancing signalling and safety systems to support increased passenger and freight capacity.