Major Rail Disruptions Hit Brisbane with April Track Closures, Replacement Buses During Easter
April 1, 2026
Brisbane and Southeast Queensland will experience a major rail disruption from early April through late April, with multiple lines—including the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Redcliffe, Doomben, Shorncliffe, Airport, Gold Coast and Beenleigh—running replacement buses during track closures as part of several concurrent projects.
The disruption unfolds in three phases: Phase 1 from April 3–6 brings heavy track closures and bus replacements between major hubs; Phase 2 from April 7–10 restores a special weekday timetable with 15-minute peak services and minor impacts on Ipswich and Cleveland express trains; Phase 3 from April 11–26 concentrates closures on the Gold Coast/Beenleigh lines with ongoing rail replacement buses.
The overall schedule is timed to Easter holidays, aiming to minimize passenger impact while delivering long-term rail improvements through a coordinated program of works.
Updated information and alerts will be published on TransLink and Brisbane City Council websites, with readers encouraged to sign up for daily summaries.
Passengers should use the TransLink Journey Planner and MyTransLink app for real-time updates, plan extra time, and consider traveling light when using rail replacement buses, as patience and planning are essential during the Easter period.
Story Bridge will have full or partial closures on various dates for concrete repairs and inspections, affecting motorists and pedestrians, including a temporary night closure of the eastern footpath.
The bridge work aligns with a longer-term plan to fully restore the structure over 15–20 years, with the closures timed to coincide with lower traffic during Easter and the Tour de Brisbane.
The disruption is framed as short-term pain for long-term gains, taking place during holidays when passenger numbers dip by about 65% to enable faster, smarter rail network improvements.
Several major events, such as Titans vs. Broncos on April 4 and Broncos vs. Cowboys on April 10, will trigger special event buses that may add 30–45 minutes to travel times.
Key projects driving closures include Cross River Rail, Beerburrum to Nambour upgrade, faster rail for Logan and Gold Coast, and related works like Hope Island testing, Moorooka platform changes, and European Train Control System installation to support higher service frequency.
Authorities emphasize planning ahead, with extra express and all-stops rail buses deployed; some travelers may find alternative bus routes more convenient.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

Travel And Tour World • Apr 1, 2026
Brisbane Easter Travel Alert: Major Queensland Rail Disruptions and Event Guide 2026 - Travel And Tour World
Brisbane Times • Mar 25, 2026
Travellers warned of track closures, Story Bridge works over Easter holidays