Detailed designs for Stage 1 of the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail (B2N) Upgrade have been released, marking another milestone for the major Sunshine Coast rail project aimed at improving passenger and freight services along the North Coast Line.

The upgrade will complete the missing link of duplicated rail between Beerburrum and Beerwah and is a key enabling project for The Wave public transport program.

The detailed designs incorporate community feedback gathered during consultation in mid-2025 and provide a clearer picture of how the project will reshape rail and road infrastructure along the corridor.

Main construction works on the rail duplication began late last year, with earthworks and supporting activities continuing across the project area.

The Federal Government has committed $616.7 million towards the $1 billion Stage 1 project, with the Queensland Government contributing $387.5 million.

The project includes realignment of the existing rail line between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains, removal of three level crossings, expanded park-and-ride facilities at Beerburrum, Nambour and Landsborough, and a range of new and upgraded rail and road infrastructure.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the upgrade would improve capacity and reliability on the North Coast Line.

“The B2N Upgrade will deliver additional track capacity and service reliability to meet increasing passenger and freight demands,” King said.

“This vital infrastructure upgrade will expand travel choice and better connect communities in this growing region.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said the project would support future public transport connections across the Sunshine Coast.

“Once complete, the upgrade will significantly improve the capacity and reliability of the North Coast Line, supporting more efficient passenger services and stronger freight connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond,” Mickelberg said.

“B2N plays a crucial role in delivering The Wave from Brisbane through to Kawana and on to Maroochydore Airport.”

Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm, said the project would improve travel times and reliability for commuters and visitors.

“For people travelling for a weekend up the coast, or for those commuting from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane for work, this project will deliver faster and easier travel,” Chisholm said.

Queensland Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, described the project as one of the region’s most significant infrastructure investments.

“The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade is one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the history of the Sunshine Coast and seeing these detailed designs released is a genuinely exciting milestone for our community,” Powell said.

Queensland Member for Nicklin, Marty Hunt, said the release of the designs demonstrated progress on the long-awaited project.

“These detailed designs show that this project is real, it’s progressing under the Queensland Government, and it’s going to make a genuine difference to the way people move around the Sunshine Coast,” Hunt said.

Queensland Member for Caloundra, Kendall Hatcher, said the project would help reduce congestion and improve connectivity across the region.

“The B2N Rail Upgrade is about giving Sunshine Coast families a better lifestyle by allowing locals to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time where it matters most,” Hatcher said.

The detailed designs are available through the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads website.