In a move that will advance the Cross River Rail’s new underground station on Albert Street, the Queensland Government has declared the development a priority Development Area (PDA), reports infrastructuremagazine.com.au.

Acting Planning Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe, said this announcement will result in cutting of red tape. Land on Mary and Albert Streets will be covered by the PDA, with an Interim Land Use Plan to be implemented in preparation for a development scheme.

“This is another step towards construction and provides the eventual contractors and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority with the necessary powers to deliver the station and surrounding areas,” said Mr Hinchliffe.

The Albert Street station will be the first CBD station constructed in 120 years. Queensland Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Jackie Trad says the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project will see connectivity to the southern areas of the CBD improved, and allow more trains to run more frequently to free existing traffic-jam hotspots.  

“The Cross River Rail will unlock the bottleneck at the core of the transport network allowing more trains to run more often by enabling a world-class turn-up-and-go transport network with benefits across the whole of South East Queensland,” Ms Trad said.

The project includes a new 10.2 kilometres rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, which includes 5.9km of tunnel under the Brisbane River and CBD. Underground stations are also planned for Boggo Road, Woolloongabba and Roma Streets.

The project predicts they will provide an average of 1500 jobs per year which includes 450 apprenticeships and traineeships.