Work to begin on notorious level crossing years after deaths

The first work to completely overhaul a notorious level crossing in Brisbane is set to begin, but the project is still more than a year from completion.

In the past decade, there have been two fatalities and dozens of “near misses” at the Lindum level crossing in Wynnum West.

In 2019, an elderly woman was struck and killed by a train. Two years later, a 32-year-old woman died when her car was hit by a train.

An investigation later found Queensland Rail’s failure to conduct safety inspections on level crossings “very likely” contributed to the second death.

“We cannot wait any longer,” infrastructure chair Ryan Murphy told the Brisbane City Council chamber on Tuesday.

“[We’re] doing this because the situation of near misses and tragic incidents at this level crossing cannot go on.”

Energex crews will begin moving underground electrical cables near Lindum Station and along Lindum Road from June 15, with that work expected to take about four months.

Major construction work will begin in mid-2027.

The overhaul will involve realigning the crossing, reducing vehicle speeds to 40 kilometres an hour on all approaches, and installing new traffic signals, pedestrian crossings and shared pathways.

Median islands and an extended boom gate were previously built.

“After two decades of decline through staff cuts and outsourcing, Brisbane City Council simply does not have the capacity or competency to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades … like they used to,” Labor opposition leader Jared Cassidy said on the announcement.

“Just last week we saw an accident at this dangerous crossing. Wynnum residents have had enough of this stale LNP Council sitting on their hands. They deserve action now.”

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