Supporting inclusive outcomes through accessibility advisory
Written by: Patricia Flores, Access Leader Queensland
Cross River Rail is a new 10.2-kilometre rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, which includes 5.9 kilometres of twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and the CBD.
The Cross River Rail project encompasses four new inner city underground stations, upgrades to eight existing stations and three new stations on the Gold Coast line.
Hope Island Rail Station is the second of the three new Gold Coast stations to be delivered in close consultation with the Cross River Rail Accessibility Reference Group (CRRARG) and is a major step toward improved connectivity, convenience, and growth for this thriving community.
Architecture & Access has working with the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA) in the Accessibility Advisory role in 2020 to ensure best practice accessibility outcomes for people with lived experience of disability ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can travel safely, comfortably, and independently.
The station has been designed with step-free pathways, making it easy for passengers using wheelchairs, prams, or mobility aids to move from the entrance all the way to the platform.
Wide pathways provide seamless access through the station and connect surrounding streets, the bus interchange, accessible parking and drop off areas. Tactile ground surface indicators also provided to ensure an accessible path of travel for all.
An animal relief area is located near the entry to ensure our four-legged friends are also well supported.
The platforms tower 10 metres above the ground and are provided with two spacious through lifts connecting each platform, with a wide concourse and platforms allowing for easy navigation—even during peak periods. This ensures that everyone, including those with limited mobility, can move through the station without crowding or difficulty.
Platforms are high level ensuring a smooth transition to the train when alighting and disembarking.
As you enter the station the concourse level offers a welcoming quiet space with beautiful landscaping enabling a safe place to wait and collect your thoughts before embarking on your onward journey.
Passengers benefit from clear, easy-to-read Braille and tactile signage that uses high-contrast colours and intuitive symbols and also includes a Braille and tactile map of the station. These features support people with vision impairments or cognitive challenges, helping them find platforms and facilities with confidence as well as all users becoming familiar with a new station.
To keep all passengers informed, the station incorporates both audio and visual announcement systems. Real-time updates about train arrivals, delays, or platform changes are displayed on digital screens and broadcast over speakers—an important feature for people with hearing or vision impairments. This is further supported by hearing loops.
Ambulant and accessible toilets are provided on-site, designed with adequate space, handrails, and easy-to-use fixtures. Seating areas around the station provide rest areas along the journey and include priority seating, ensuring comfort for elderly passengers, pregnant women, or those with hidden disabilities whilst waiting for their train.
As an access consultant, it is very satisfying to see the best practice outcomes realised in the many accessibility features of this station that will be enjoyed by all users now and into the future.
Image 1 (feature): Designed with step-free pathways from the entrance all the way to the platform. Wide pathways, accessible parking and drop off areas with tactile ground surface indicators.
Image 2. Animal relief area located near the station’s entry, accessible seating, signage with Braille and tactile features.
