Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1

Enhancing

rail

capacity

for

a

growing

Queensland

The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail (B2N) Upgrade Stage 1 is a critical infrastructure project in improving one of Australia’s key rail corridors. As part of the Australian Government’s National Land Transport Network, the North Coast Line plays a critical role in supporting passenger and freight movements in Queensland between Brisbane and Cairns. However, increasing demand and existing infrastructure constraints have placed pressure on the corridor, requiring targeted investment to enhance capacity, safety and efficiency.

B2N Stage 1 is a step towards future-proofing Queensland’s rail network, aligning with Infrastructure Australia’s priority initiatives and supporting the state’s long-term growth strategy. It plays a key role in supporting the Sunshine Coast’s rapid growth by strengthening connections between regional centres and Brisbane, improving accessibility for commuters, businesses and freight operators alike.

Collaborating for Rail Transformation

The Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads awarded the contract to build Stage 1 of the B2N Rail Upgrade to the John Holland Queensland Seymour Whyte Joint Venture in September 2024, with SMEC Australia and WSP Australia as designers.

This experienced team has already contributed to preconstruction activities, including site investigations, community engagement, and environmental planning as part of the Early Contractor Involvement phase.

Under the new agreement, the Joint Venture will finalise designs and begin staged construction, testing, and commissioning.

Key features of B2N Stage 1 include:

Duplication of the North Coast Line between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains on an improved alignment.
Duplication of the North Coast Line between the Glass House Mountains and Beerwah following the existing alignment.
Beerburrum Road and Steve Irwin Way intersection upgrade including a new road overpass on Beerburrum Road.
Expansion of the park ‘n’ ride facility on the northern side of Beerburrum Station.
Replacement of the Burgess Street road-over-rail bridge with a new road overpass.
Replacement of the Barrs Road level crossing in the Glass House Mountains with a new road overpass connecting Barrs Road to Moffatt Road.
Closure of two private level crossings with alternative access provided.

Client

John Holland Queensland

Seymour Whyte Joint Venture

Location

Beerburrum to Beerwah, Queensland

Australia

Year

2025

Expertise

Rail & Metro Freight Rail

(approx.) of new and duplicated railway track

bridges

new road-over-rail bridges at Beerburrum Road, Barrs Road, and Burgess Street

Level crossing removal to enhance public and rail safety

Enhancing Travel Experiences

B2N Stage 1 is a transformative rail upgrade set to enhance efficiency and reliability for both passenger and freight services. Freight operators will benefit from fewer conflicts with passenger services, ensuring smoother deliveries, while passengers enjoy improved service reliability.

Upgraded park ‘n’ ride facilities and new road-over-rail bridges are designed to improve local connectivity, encouraging more people to use public transport and help relieve congestion on the Bruce Highway.

This project highlights SMEC’s expertise in delivering rail infrastructure solutions and engaging in collaborative joint ventures with stakeholders, construction contractors and infrastructure delivery partners. It’s about creating reliable and efficient transport solutions that meet growing demand while preparing for a sustainable future.

— Anthony Dunn, Chief Technical Principal – Rail

Shaping Queensland’s Transport Future

Major construction on B2N Stage 1 is scheduled to commence this year. This transformative project reflects the power of collaboration and innovation, addressing today’s challenges while leaving a lasting legacy for Queensland.

By improving connections, driving economic growth, and promoting sustainable transport, B2N Stage 1 will be a key part of Queensland’s transport network for years to come.