Comparative Assessment of Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the Cross River Rail project, a major infrastructure initiative in South East Queensland (SEQ), and provides a comparative assessment with the Brisbane Metro project. The analysis delves into various aspects of the Cross River Rail, including its objectives, values, lifecycle impacts, applicable civil engineering systems, and project stewardship. The report highlights the project's significance in addressing increasing transportation demand and traffic congestion in the SEQ region. The Cross River Rail project, estimated at a cost of $5.4 billion, is designed to alleviate pressure on the existing rail network, spur economic growth, improve social life, and protect the environment through improved air quality and reduced carbon emissions. The report assesses the project's lifecycle, from initial planning and procurement to design, development, delivery, operation, maintenance, and retirement, and the civil engineering systems involved. The report also explores the project's values, including economic, social, sustainability, and political dimensions. A comparative assessment is made with the Brisbane Metro project, emphasizing their complementary roles in enhancing the region's transit network. Informed recommendations and conclusions are provided to support the successful delivery of both projects, highlighting their importance for the sustainable development of the SEQ region.

Running head: COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS
MAJOR CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT
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COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 2
ABSTRACT
Transportation demand and traffic congestion have significantly increased in South East
Queensland (SEQ) region over the years and the need for an efficient and reliable transit system
is inevitable. This report analyzes different aspects of Cross River Rail project, including the
objectives, values, lifecycle impacts, applicable civil engineering systems, and stewardship of the
project. The estimated project cost is $5.4 billion and it is expected to relieve the immense
pressure currently put on existing rail network in SEQ region. According to the project’s
business case, it will spur economic growth in the region, improve social life of residents and
protect the environment by improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions. The report also
makes a comparative assessment of this project with Brisbane Metro project. From the
assessment, the two projects have been designed to complement each other and therefore should
be given the needed support for successful delivery.
Table of Contents

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 3
ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................................................2
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................3
2. PROJECT NEEDS........................................................................................................................4
3. PROJECT LIFECYCLE..............................................................................................................5
3.1. Initial Planning..........................................................................................................................5
3.2. Procurement...............................................................................................................................6
3.3. Design.........................................................................................................................................7
3.4. Development...............................................................................................................................8
3.5. Delivery.......................................................................................................................................9
3.6. Operation and Maintenance...................................................................................................10
3.7. Retirement................................................................................................................................10
3.8. Research Needs........................................................................................................................11
4. CIVIL ENGINEERING SYSTEM.................................................................................................12
5. PROJECT STEWARDSHIP..........................................................................................................12
6. PROJECT VALUES.......................................................................................................................13
6.1. Economic..................................................................................................................................13
6.2. Social.........................................................................................................................................14
6.3. Sustainability............................................................................................................................15
6.4. Political.....................................................................................................................................16
7. COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT..................................................................................................16
8. CONCLUSIONS AND INFORMED RECOMMENDATIONS..................................................21
8.1. Conclusions..............................................................................................................................21
8.2. Informed Recommendations...................................................................................................22
Works Cited...............................................................................................................................................24
1. INTRODUCTION
The aim of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Cross River Rail and
make a comparative assessment with a similar project in the region – Brisbane Metro. The

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 4
objectives of the report are to understand different elements of the project, establish the impacts
of the project in the region, gather information that will help SEQTrans facilitate successful
delivery of the projects, establish the relationship between the two projects and ensure that both
projects are implemented successfully. The paper comprises of seven main sections namely
project needs, project lifecycle, civil engineering system, project stewardship, project values,
comparative assessment and conclusions and informed recommendation.
2. PROJECT NEEDS
Brisbane and SEQ region as a whole are growing rapidly in terms of population and
economy (Miller, 2018). For this growth to be sustained, there is need to provide efficient,
modern and reliable transportation systems that will facilitate quick and safe movement of
people from one place to another. The number of cars on SEQ roads has continued to increase,
putting a lot of pressure on roads and rapid transit systems. This has resulted to high maintenance
costs of roads and traffic congestion nuisance. The rapid transit system in the region is not able
to meet the current transport demand. As a result, the need for a state-of-the-art rapid transit
system in SEQ region cannot be overemphasized. Cross River Rail is a 10.2 km rail line that will
connect Bowen Hills and Dutton Park and pass under Brisbane CBD and Brisbane River. This
project will significantly transform and improve public rapid transit network in SEQ region thus
attracting both local and foreign investors, boosting economy in the region and improving the
lives of residents. Therefore considering the current demographic and economic growth of SEQ
region, Cross River Rail is a worthwhile project for the region (Queensland Government, 2017).
It will relieve congestion and solve capacity constraints on Brisbane’s city rail network (Railway
Technology, (n.d.)). Besides improving accessibility and connectivity of the region, Cross River
Rail will also create employment opportunities, reduce road accidents, minimize greenhouse gas

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 5
emissions and make the region more competitive and sustainable. The network of Cross River
Rail is as shown in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1: Cross River Rail network
3. PROJECT LIFECYCLE
3.1. Initial Planning
The original proposal of Cross River Rail was released in November 2010 by Queensland
Government. It comprised of a 9.8 km tunnel, four underground stations and two surface
stations. This proposal was developed following a report released in 2008 which showed that
peak train services demand in Brisbane would double by 2016. This proposal was changed in
June 2012 after Newman Government took power. The new government revised the plan to
reduce its capital cost by excluding modernizations to existing stations. The new proposal was

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 6
again revised by the Queensland Government in November 2013 and came up with Bus and
Train (BaT) Tunnel proposal. The proposal was a 5.4 km tunnel with an external diameter of
14.8 m. The tunnel would accommodate two lane busway at the top and a dual rail truck on the
bottom of the tunnel. Construction of the project was planned to start in 2015 and be completed
in 2021 at a cost of $5 billion. The BaT Tunnel proposal was replaced with the Cross River Rail
in 2016. The Queensland Government released the business case of Cross River Rail in August
2017 and work officially began in September 2017. The planning of Cross River Rail was led by
Queensland Government agency, Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, through collaboration
with urban planners, traffic engineers, management professionals, structural engineers,
architects, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, surveyors, and other government agencies
such as departments of infrastructure, transport and regional development; regional services;
environment; and trade tourism and investment. The project also resonates other policies such as
Shaping SEQ Regional Plan 2017, State Infrastructure Plan; Australian Infrastructure Plan,
Smart Cities Plan, and Brisbane City Centre Master Plan 2014, among others. Some of the key
elements during planning process of the project include: design elements, social, economic and
environmental impacts, resource efficiency, community consultation and engagement, source of
funding, project constraints, cost benefit ratio, and regulatory standards and approvals.
3.2. Procurement
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority is responsible for procurement of Cross River Rail
project. The procurement was anticipated to commence in third quarter of 2017 and end in first
quarter of 2019. The procurement is to be done in accordance with Project Assessment
Framework of Queensland Government and Queensland Procurement Policy. The main
objectives of procurement for this project are to encourage private sector innovation and

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 7
participation, achieve the greatest value for money invested, encourage competition, deliver the
project within planned budget and timeframe, and ensure transparency and equity. The key
procurement stages include: appointment of specialists advisers, invite expression of interest and
evaluate them, prepare request for proposal, conduct interactive bidder workshops, develop bid
strategy, select best bidders, conduct negotiations, facilitate necessary government approvals,
conclude on contractual close and develop a suitable contract management strategy. Professional
disciplines involved in the procurement process of the project include: commercial and financial
advisors, legal advisors, environmental impact assessment professionals, engineers
(geotechnical, civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical engineers, and traffic engineers) and
urban planners together with other relevant public and private sector agencies. The required
resources for procurement is funding.
3.3. Design
The key design elements of Cross River Rail are: rail track design, tunnel design, surface and
underground station building architecture and design, landscape architecture, intersection and
connection design, intelligent transport systems design, and automated traffic control systems
design. Some of the professionals involved in key design elements include: geotechnical
engineers, landscape architects, urban planners, rail track designers, water engineers, transport
engineers, structural engineers, environmental engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical
engineers and building architects. Design of these elements also require specialized tools
including: geotechnical modelling software, rail track alignment design software, transport
modelling software, intersection design/analysis software, structural modelling software,
computer aided design (CAD) software (such as AnyRail, OpenRail, Ferrovia, RailModeller,
etc.), and simulation & visualization tools, among others. There are also several design

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 8
instruments needed for Cross River Rail project. Most of these instruments are those developed
by the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board and Australian Rail Track Corporation. They
include Australian standards, guidelines, codes of practice and rules. Some of these are: Rail
Safety Act (2010), Environmental Protection Act and Regulations, Railway Infrastructure,
Australian Rapid Transit Assessment Guidelines (ARTAG) and Guide to Traffic Engineering
Practice.
3.4. Development
The key development stages of Cross River Rail are: demolition works, excavation, materials
preparation, surveying, laying the bottom ballast of the rail track, construction of drainage
system of subgrade, installation of anchorage, laying the rail, laying ballast on top of the rail,
installation of rail brace and rail anchor, construction of underground and surface stations,
installation of related mechanical and electrical systems, installation of traffic control and
signaling systems, installation of ticketing systems, and installation of other automated systems
to facilitate operation of the rail network. The main agency responsible for the development of
Cross River Rail is Cross River Rail Delivery Authority. The Authority will work with several
other stakeholders, including federal, state and local government agencies, and professionals to
ensure successful development of the project. Some of the professional disciplines that will be
involved in the development stage of the project include: civil engineering, mechanical
engineering, electrical engineering, quantity surveying, geotechnical engineering, materials
engineering, control systems engineering, GIS engineering, urban planning, environmental
engineering, traffic engineering, architecture, construction engineering, etc. The development
stage will require a broad range of processes including construction, administration, inspection,

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 9
monitoring, testing and commissioning. Some of the resources needed for the development of the
project include: plant and equipment, materials and labour.
3.5. Delivery
Delivery of Cross River Rail will be through partnership. There will be two main work
packages for the project. The first is the Tunnel, Stations and Development (TSD) package that
will be delivered through public-private partnership (PPP). The TSD package comprises of
underground work of the project. Its main scope include: tunnel from Dutton Park station to
northern portal past Normanby through underneath Brisbane CBD and River; four underground
stations; dive structures and tunnel portals; underground traction power systems, track work,
control infrastructure and rail operation systems; and all related safety, electrical and mechanical
systems. The second is the Rail, Integration and Systems (RIS) package that will be delivered
through alliance. The scope of works for the RIS package include: civil and electrical works of
the rail, operation and control systems of the rail, and signaling and communication systems of
the rail. The PPP and alliance will comprise of a consortium each (InfraPPP World, 2017). There
are also several minor works packages including demolition works and site remediation works
(Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, 2018). Tenderers for each of the packages have already
been shortlisted (Gameng, 2018).
During delivery stage of the project, the consortia forming the PPP and alliance will be
responsible for the construction and installation of the components and systems in their works
packages. Their works will be monitored closely by the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority and
other relevant government agencies to ensure that they comply with the required engineering
standards. Every package completed will be inspected and tested before being handed over to the
Authority. The projected is expected to be completed by 2024.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 10
3.6. Operation and Maintenance
The main operation activities that will be involved in the operation and maintenance of Cross
River Rail project include: ticketing, departure and arrival scheduling of the trains, traffic
control, control of signaling systems, service provision at the stations, customer care, repair and
periodic maintenance of the rail track, cleaning of various systems of the rail system, mechanical
maintenance of the system, electrical maintenance of the system, information system
maintenance, control system maintenance, lighting system maintenance, etc. Some of those who
will be involved in the operation and maintenance of the project include: Cross River Rail
Delivery Unit, BCC, Brisbane Metropolitan Traffic Management Centre, electrical engineers,
electrical engineering contractors, mechanical engineers, mechanical engineering contractors,
information and communication technology (ICT) engineers, ICT engineering contractors and
building services contractors, among others. These parties will ensure that the rail network
operates efficiently and is maintained properly to improve efficiency, safety, functionality and
durability. The main resources that are needed for the operation and maintenance of the project
are funding, labour and computer devices.
3.7. Retirement
Cross River Rail has been planned and designed for a 100-year horizon. This means that the
rail is expected to be operational for 100 years before it can be disposed, replaced or
retrofitted/improved. Nevertheless, the design life of different components of the rail is also
different. For example, the rail track has a design life of 100 years, the stations have a design life
of 50 years, the signaling and control systems have a design life of 30 years, and the cycling and
walking tracks have a design life of 50 years. It is very important to consider the retirement of
the project during planning and design of the project. This is because the retirement influences

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 11
the choice of various design elements such as the dimensions of rail track, type of materials to be
used in the construction of different components and also in forecasting the cost benefits of the
project. When the project retires or reaches it horizon, it can be replaced with other systems such
as light rail transit system (with its alignment being used for the same) or revamped to make it
more appropriate for the current traffic and transportation needs.
3.8. Research Needs
There are several research opportunities for Cross River Rail project. One of these areas is
the cost benefit analysis. There have been some debate on whether the project will achieve its
anticipated economic benefits with some people arguing that anticipated cost benefits cannot be
attained with the current plan and design of the project. This presents an opportunity to research
on techniques that can be used to reduce the cost of the project at different phases of its lifecycle.
During construction, there is need to research about cost effective, more efficient, durable,
environmentally friendly and sustainable materials and methods of constructing the rail network.
This may include research areas such as use of nanomaterials and nanotechnology, use of
volumetric construction method, use of lean production technique, application of green
construction approach, use of recycled and recyclable construction materials, and use of modern
technologies, such as BIM, to improve efficiency of construction process. There are also several
research areas during operation phase of the project. One of these is establishing the most energy
efficient trains. This will help in minimizing the amount of fuel consumed and burned. Besides
reducing cost of fuel, it will also minimize air pollution and carbon footprint associated with the
project.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 12
4. CIVIL ENGINEERING SYSTEM
Planning, design, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance of Cross River Rail
will involve different civil engineering sub-disciplines, including: environmental engineering,
geotechnical engineering, urban/municipal engineering, structural engineering, transportation
engineering, surveying engineering, material engineering, water resources engineering,
construction engineering, system control engineering and traffic management engineering. These
sub-disciplines are very essential for successful deliver of the project. They are also applicable at
different stages of the project. For instance, construction engineering will be applicable mostly
during construction phase while traffic management engineering will be mainly applicable
during operation phase of the project.
5. PROJECT STEWARDSHIP
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority is the main steward for the project. The Authority was
formed to be in charge of the development, procurement and delivery of Cross River Rail
project. It will work in collaboration with other federal, state and local government departments,
consortia in the PPP and alliance, professionals and the local community. The Authority will be
responsible for overseeing all the works during development, procurement and delivery stages of
the project. Federal, state and local government agencies will be responsible for providing
financial support, facilitating regulatory approvals and monitoring progress to ensure that the
project meets the required engineering and building codes and standards. The consortia will be
responsible for undertaking the works packages assigned to them according to the design
specifications and contract guidelines. The professionals will be responsible for providing
technical advice on different issues, inspecting ongoing works and commissioning completed

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 13
works. The local community will be responsible for ensuring that the project does not negatively
affect their activities and life.
The steward for the operational phase of Cross River Rail is not yet known because
according to the agreement between the Queensland Government and the Cross River Rail
Delivery Authority, its work will end once the project is delivered. The Queensland Government,
in consultation with other stakeholders, may appoint a state agency or private operator to be in
charge of rail network’s operations. Therefore the stewardship of the project is expected to
remain the same until after the project has been delivered. The state agency or private operator
will be responsible for all the activities associated with operations of the rail network including:
scheduling of routes along the network, passenger management, ticketing, management of train
operations, monitoring of train operations, revenue collection, repair and maintenance of the rail
network infrastructure, ensuring safety and health of workers and passengers, etc. Engineers will
also play a key role in stewardship. Some of the engineers’ responsibilities are: diagnosis of rain
network systems, repair and maintenance of rail network infrastructure or systems, automation of
various activities of the network, identifying appropriate strategies to improve efficiency of the
rail network, and identifying challenges affecting the rail network and developing their solutions.
6. PROJECT VALUES
6.1. Economic
Cross River Rail is a major infrastructure project that is anticipated to transform and improve
public transport system in SEQ region. This will help in improving accessibility and connectivity
of SEQ region. The region is growing and its population is projected to increase by 1.9 million
by 2036. Studies have shown that most residential growth is projected to be in areas outside
Brisbane such as the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Ipswich and Moreton Bay. However,

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 14
nearly 50% of new jobs are forecast to remain in Brisbane. This implies the number of people
travelling long distances to and from Brisbane city will continue increasing (Feeney, 2017).
Therefore majority of the residents will be able to travel from their homes to Brisbane city to
work, study, shop and for meetings and other social functions. The rail network will also open up
the region for both local and foreign investments because movement of people and goods within
the region will be faster, safer and affordable. This promises a significant growth of economy in
the region, including property values. The project is anticipated to generate approximately 1,500
and 500 direct jobs during construction and operation processes respectively. It will also create
numerous other indirect jobs along the rail network (Remeikis, 2016). Its benefit cost ratio is
estimated to be 1.41 meaning that Queensland Government will get return on investment of
$1.41 for every $1 invested in the project. With a capital cost of $5.4 billion (Railway Pro,
2018), this project’s benefits exceeds cost by about $1.9 billion exclusive of the present value of
$1.2 billion. The project will also unlock more tourism opportunities in the region. Most
importantly is that Cross River Rail is complementing other developments and projects in the
region including Brisbane Metro, Woolloongabba Development Area, Bowen Hills Priority
Development Area, Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development and Herston Quarter development. In
general, the economic worthiness of Cross River Rail to the community is huge.
6.2. Social
Residents in SEQ region spent several hours in traffic every day. This affects their day to day
activities, wastes money and causes stress. Social inclusion largely depends on mobility,
accessibility and connectivity of an area. This makes urban transit systems a very crucial factor
in improving people’s social life and their quality of life (Gallo, 2018); (Geurs, Boon, & van
Wee, 2009). Cross River Rail will make it easier and cost effective for residents in SEQ region to

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 15
travel from one place to another. The rail network will be a reliable transport mode for people
and goods. It is going to attract foreign investors and tourists in the region enabling residents to
learn new cultures and establish relationships with the international community. It will enable
residents to travel from their homes to various places to shop, eat, play, meet and have fun. This
public transit system will also bring about equity because every person in the region will use it
freely regardless of their social status, gender, race, age, etc. It will reduce road accidents in the
region, it will help reduce maintenance costs of personal cars and also increase longevity of these
cars, it will encourage more people to walk and cycle thus boosting social interactions, and it will
improve the health and living standards of residents in the region. Nevertheless, it is also
important to note that there may be several negative environmental impacts during construction
phase of the project. This includes loud noise, dust, air pollution, vibrations and water pollution,
hence there is need to develop strategies of preventing, minimizing or managing these impacts.
In general, Cross River Rail will significantly change and improve the lifestyles of residents in
the region. For these reasons, the social impacts on the project on the community are worthwhile.
6.3. Sustainability
Cross River Rail will see thousands of personal cars removed from roads in SEQ region as it
will offer a reliable public transportation system and also encourage more people to cycle and
walk. The walking and cycling will also improve people’s health because they are sustainable
transportation modes (Mundorf, Redding, & Bao, 2018). The reduction of number of vehicles on
roads will significantly reduce air, noise and water pollution (Balsas, 2015). This will also
minimize the amount of fossil fuels bought and burnt in the region, which is a positive step
towards environmental protection. The design life of the rail track is 100 years hence no
significant materials will be extracted for construction of such a mega rail transit system in the

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 16
region over this period. Trains also release less carbon emissions than emissions from equivalent
number of cars (Yang, Zhang, & Ni, 2014). Therefore Cross River Rail will reduce carbon
emissions in the region by a substantial percentage. In the long run, this project will play a key
role in reducing water and fossil fuels consumption in the region thus protecting and conserving
the environment. Therefore the project has numerous sustainability benefits and it is worth
implementing.
6.4. Political
Cross River Rail is one of the biggest construction projects that Queensland Government has
ever implemented. As a result, the project must have some political impacts. During the last
elections, there were several promises by the lord mayor on construction of state-of-the-art
transit systems. The project has also been through successive governments without successful
implementation. Therefore the current lord mayor can use this project to gain some political
mileage. For instance, if the project continues as planned, he can use it as one of his campaign
strategies in the next elections by asking voters to re-elect him so that he can complete the
project and others. But whether this will work for or against him depends on the perception of
the residents. The politics have also been a major factor in the funding of the project. Since the
first proposal of the project in 2010, the project has been opposed by several legislators
especially those in opposition. This has also scared potential investors fearing that incoming
governments may abandon the project (Moore T. , 2017).
7. COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT
The total length of Brisbane Metro is 21 km and the route will have a total of 18 stations
(McCosker, 2018). On the other hand, the total length of Cross River Rail is 10.2 km and the rail
line will service 6 stations. These two transits will have two connections as shown in Figure 2

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 17
below. These connections can only work if the two projects are planned and designed in
consideration of each other (Smee, 2018).
Figure 2: Connection points of Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro (Branco, 2017)
The comparison between these two projects has been summarized in Table 1 below
Table 1: Comparison of Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 18
Consideration Brisbane Metro Cross River Rail
Need for Initiative The project will provide a safer, quicker,
more reliable and affordable travel option
for residents and visitors with, and spur
economic growth in SQ region.
It will improve SEQ region’s
accessibility and connectivity, and
solve capacity constraints on
Brisbane’s city rail network.
Initial Planning The project was announced in January 2016
but was amended in March 2017 where
driverless trams were replaced with high
capacity bi-articulated buses. BCC is
responsible for the planning through
collaboration with relevant federal and state
agencies.
The project was originally proposed
in November 2010, changed in 2012,
revised again in 2013 to produce Bus
and Train (BaT) Tunnel proposal and
changed again to the Cross River
Rail project. Cross River Rail
Delivery Authority is leading the
planning process.
Design The main design elements include: green
bridge, underground tunnel, new
underground Cultural Centre station, new
surface stations, depot facility, upgrades
and modifications of existing stations, and
removal of busway portal along Melbourne
Street.
These are the key design elements:
tunnel, rail track, surface and
underground stations, landscaping,
intersections and connections,
intelligent transport systems and
automated traffic control systems.
Procurement BCC started procurement in July 2018 and
plans to complete by end of 2019. The key
works packages are: early works, inner city
infrastructure, suburban infrastructure,
systems, metro vehicles and metro depot.
Delivery of suburban infrastructure, inner
city infrastructure and systems works
packages will be through collaborative
partnership. BCC will select qualified
organizations to provide the design,
delivery and commissioning of the metro
vehicle fleet and the Platform Management
Information System (PMIS).
The procurement is overseen by the
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority.
The procurement commenced in
third quarter of 2017 and will end in
first quarter of 2019. These are the
main procurement stages: hire
specialist advisers, invite and
evaluate EOI, prepare RFPs, hold
interactive bidder workshops,
establish a strategy for tendering,
choose best bidders, perform tender
negotiations, close contract terms
and conditions and establish the best
contract management strategy.
Development The main stages that have been involved in
the development of the project are:
publication of the project concept,
stakeholder consultation, detailed analysis
of alternatives, market research, publication
of project expansion, develop business case,
develop the design, conduct impact
assessment of the project, confirmation of
the project as a High Priority Project on the
Infrastructure Priority List of the nation,
release of draft design report for
consultation, Federal government confirms
Key development stages are:
demolition works, surveying,
excavation, prepare materials, lay the
rail track bottom ballast, construct
the subgrade drainage system, install
rail track anchorage, lay the rail, lay
ballast on top of the rail, install rail
brace and rail anchor, construct
surface and underground stations,
install related electrical and
mechanical systems, install traffic
control and signalling systems,

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 19
a $300 million funding commitment, BCC
commits $644 million funding, and
commencement of procurement.
install ticketing systems, and install
other automation systems.
Delivery Delivery of the project is through these
works packages: early works, inner city
infrastructure, suburban infrastructure,
systems, metro vehicles and metro depot.
Methods of delivery include: construct
only, design & build, and design &
construct. Delivery will be through
collaborative partnership between BCC and
other interested and qualified organizations.
Construction will be followed by
commissioning, demobilization, handover
and operation.
Delivery is through two main works
packages: TSD package and RIS
package. TSD and RIS will be
delivered through PPP and alliancing
respectively.
.
Operation BCC and Brisbane Metropolitan Traffic
Management Centre will oversee the
operation of Brisbane Metro. BCC may
decide to appoint a state agency or private
operator to take charge of the Brisbane
Metro operations.
Queensland Government will appoint
a state agency or private operator to
take charge of the Cross River Rail
operations.
Maintenance Maintenance will be undertaken by BCC.
The Council may contract maintenance
works to qualified specialist contractors.
Queensland Government, through
the appointed state agency or private
operator, will be responsible for
maintaining the rail network.
Specialist contractors shall be
selected and contracted to perform
the maintenance works of different
components of the rail network.
Retirement It has a 50-year horizon even though the
design life of individual components and
systems is varied. The project’s retirement
was considered when planning and
designing the project to ensure
effectiveness and efficiency. Upon
retirement, the bus rapid transit can be
improved, integrated with other systems or
replaced with a LRT.
It has a 100-year horizon but its
individual components have different
design life. This retirement period
was considered in the planning and
design of the project to ensure that
every stage throughout its lifecycle is
completed successfully. Upon
retirement, the rail network can be
refurbished or replaced with other
new transit systems.
Civil Engineering
System
The project is related to different civil
engineering sub-disciplines including:
surveying, geotechnical, environmental,
structural, water resources, materials,
transportation, urban or municipal,
construction, traffic management, and
systems control engineering.
A broad range of civil engineering
sub-disciplines are related to the
project including: surveying,
structural, materials, environmental,
geotechnical, urban/municipal,
transportation engineering, water
resources, construction, systems

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 20
control and traffic management
engineering.
Initiative
Stewardship
The stewardship of the project is led by
BCC. Other stewards include: Brisbane
Infrastructure, City Planning and
Sustainability, Transport for Brisbane,
Brisbane Metropolitan Traffic Management
Centre, Department of Transport and Main
Roads, Department of State Development,
Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning,
Federal Department of Infrastructure and
Regional Development, Australian Institute
of Traffic Planning and Management,
Planning Institute of Australia, and
Bicycling Queensland.
After successful delivery, the stewardship
may change if BCC decides to appoint a
state agency or private operator to oversee
operations of the Metro.
The stewardship of the project is led
by the Cross River Rail Delivery
Authority. Other stewards include:
relevant federal and state agencies,
and organizations that will form PPP
and alliance. When the project is
delivered, the stewardship may
change when Queensland
Government appoint a private
operator or state agency to be
responsible for the rail network’s
operations.
Economic Values
(including Project
Cost Assessment)
The project’s capital cost is $944 million.
$644 million has been committed by the
BCC while the remaining $300 million has
been committed by the federal government.
The project’s benefit cost ratio is 1.91. The
project is anticipated to create numerous
job opportunities, attract local and foreign
investments, generate revenue for the
government and boost economic growth in
SEQ region.
The project’s capital cost is $5.4
billion. Additional cost of $4.9
billion is estimated to be spent on
complementary growth projects and
$4.4 billion for maintenance and
operation of the project over a 30-
year period. The Queensland
Government allocated $2.8 billion
for the project in the 2017-18 budget.
The Queensland Government has
promised to allocate the remaining
$2.4 billion of the capital cost in in
future budgets.
Social Values It is expected to: lower the number of road
accidents, improve health by reducing air
pollution and water contamination, create
more public spaces for shopping, dining,
meeting and relaxing, encourage more
residents to walk and cycle, promote social
interactions, attract foreign investors,
reduce stress related to traffic congestion,
and improve living standards of people.
However, the project will affect the lives of
residents during construction stage.
It is expected to reduce traffic
congestion menace, minimize road
accidents, ease movement of people
and goods, improve quality of life,
improve social status of residents,
enhance social interactions and
attract foreign investors and tourists.
But residents will be affected during
construction phase by traffic
diversions/interruptions, loud noise,
dust, pollution, vibrations and utility
disconnections.
Sustainability
Values
The project will remove many vehicles
from the roads in SEQ region thus
The project is going to remove a
large number of personal cars from

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 21
significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Having a 50-year horizon, it will be a safe
and reliable transport option in the region
solving traffic congestion problem over this
period. After retirement, it is also flexible
for restoration, expansion or integration
with other transport systems.
SEQ roads thus lowering carbon
emissions in the region. It I also
going to lower demand for fossil
fuels thus minimizing their related
negative environmental impacts.
Political Values The project has not been affected by the
regional or local politics. However, the
current lord mayor had included it as one of
the promises during the last elections.
Local, regional and national politics
have affected this project
significantly. That has been
demonstrated by the reluctance of the
federal government to fund it and
also the various critics about the
project’s expected benefits
(including benefits cost ratio). The
politics have even made some
contractors afraid that their contracts
may be breached in the future by
new governments.
8. CONCLUSIONS AND INFORMED RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1. Conclusions
Cross River Rail is one of the big and essential projects to be undertaken by Queensland
Government in the recent past. This project is expected to significantly transform public
transport in SEQ region. It will minimize the number of personal cars on roads thus reducing
carbon emissions and improve air quality, it will enhance connectivity and accessibility to the
region thus boosting economic growth, it will attract local and foreign investments, and it will
place Brisbane as one of the global cities with state-of-the-art rapid rail systems. The project is
being administered by Queensland Government through an appointed agency, Cross River Rail
Delivery Authority. Different professionals are involved in the design, planning, delivery and
operation of this project, including engineers, architects, designers, contractors, suppliers, project

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 22
managers, urban planners, geologists, landscape professionals, information technology
specialists, etc.
The estimated capital cost of Cross River Rail is $5.4 billion, with a benefit cost ratio of 1.41.
Queensland Government has already committed $2.8 billion to the project and promised to
allocate the remaining $2.6 billion in the next years’ financial budgets. The project is expected to
start operations in 2024. Cross River Rail project will supplement other existing and new transit
systems in the region such as Brisbane Metro. The projects will open SEQ region for both local
and foreign investors by reducing traffic congestion and other transport related challenges such
as road accidents. The business case of the project has shown that it has numerous economic,
environmental and social benefits and therefore should be implemented.
8.2. Informed Recommendations
Cross River Rail is expected to bring a lot of positive changes to the public transport network
in SEQ region. From the analysis in this project, these are some of the recommendations made:
 There have been some criticisms that the project’s estimated benefit cost ratio of 1.41
may not be realized and that the actual benefit cost ratio may be below 1. For this reason,
Queensland Government should consider hiring a reputable financial firm to evaluate the
cost benefits of the project and determine a more accurate benefit cost ratio. This analysis
is necessary because it will help identify the actual benefits and impacts of the transit
system and how it can be expanded for future traffic needs (Bus Industry Confederation,
2014).
 Cross River Rail Delivery Authority should establish a comprehensive eligibility criteria
to select contractors to deliver the major and minor works packages and operations
systems of the project. Some of the eligibility criteria should include: resource capacity,

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 23
experience in similar projects, track record in the industry, reputation, business values,
goals, etc.
 Efficiency and sustainability have become very essential elements in construction
industry and hence the need to conduct more research on how the following topics can be
applied to improve the project’s efficiency and sustainability: building information
modelling (BIM), lean production, nanomaterials, renewable energy, etc.
 The project is susceptible to political interference hence BCC and Queensland
Government should seek full support from the federal government and opposition leaders
to ensure successful delivery of the project.
 There is need for Cross River Rail Delivery Unit to engage and educate the community
and the public more about the project so that they can understand its benefits and impacts,
and support it.
 Cross River Rail Delivery Authority should develop a comprehensive project
management system to closely monitor the progress of the project to ensure that it meets
the required specifications and standards.
 Cross River Rail Delivery Unit should ensure that the project is delivered within
stipulated time (schedule) and budget.
 There is need to identify and develop techniques of reducing the cost of implementing
this project at different stages of its lifecycle.
 The trains selected to be used on the new rail should be fuel efficient, and if possible,
should be using alternative fuels so as to minimize negative environmental impacts of the
project.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTS 24
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