A major Queensland rail project is back on track after potentially dangerous signalling issues were finally resolved.
However, major work still needs to be done to complete the Moreton Bay Rail Link and commuters are being warned to brace for disruptions.
![Stirling Hinchliffe says signal issues that held up the Moreton Raile Link project have been resolved.](/web/20160812061004im_/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/h/y/j/h/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gqpb4c.png/1470813802331.jpg)
Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said it was safe to begin the final step of linking the project's signalling system with the existing rail network as Queensland Rail and the Department of Transport had resolved signalling concerns.
Mr Hinchliffe had ordered the rail link, worth nearly $1 billion, to be delayed in May after it became apparent a serious signalling flaw could have caused train crashes.
It had been due to open in mid-2016.
Mr Hinchliffe said the government's priority was ensuring residents got safe and reliable services when the rail link opened.
That will not happen until after the new signalling system is connected to the existing network and tested.
The Caboolture line, between Caboolture and Zillmere, will have to be closed for six days to enable this work to be undertaken.
The closure will be in place during the school holiday period from 9pm on September 16 until 2am on September 23.
"We know that this will be a major disruption for commuters who travel between Caboolture and Zillmere on the train line, but it is absolutely critical work to allow us to make this historic rail line a reality for the people of the Moreton Bay region," Mr Hinchliffe said.
However, the Liberal National Party opposition has slammed the government for announcing the massive rail disruption on the Ekka public holiday.
Opposition transport spokesman Andrew Powell said it was a deliberate tactic to avoid answering the hard questions about problems surrounding the rail link.
"Mr Hinchliffe had the opportunity today to come clean to Queenslanders on when his secret review into what went wrong with the project will be finalised, but instead he chose to keep Queenslanders in the dark," Mr Powell said.
AAP
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