Commuters and local drivers in Sherwood are frequently facing long waits at the level crossing on Sherwood Road. Extended boom gate closures during weekday mornings are contributing to congestion on local roads, with queues sometimes stretching into nearby streets and affecting travel across the suburb.
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Recent Queensland Rail data shows Sherwood Road’s level crossing recorded an average closure of 1 hour and 44 minutes between 5 am and 10 am on weekdays, making it the second-longest downtime of the 50 crossings monitored in south-east Queensland. Across the network, 26 crossings were closed for more than an hour on average during the morning peak, up from 13 in 2022. This reflects a broader trend of increasing train frequency and longer dwell times on the rail network.
The long closures affect not just motorists but also local traffic patterns. Peak hour delays at the boom gates can cause queues along Sherwood Road and on feeder streets, while local buses may also experience hold-ups. Residents have noted the effect on daily routines, including the timing of commutes and access to services.
Queensland Rail attributes these longer closures to a combination of factors. More trains are now operating on the suburban network, including additional passenger services and freight, while station dwell times have increased due to growing patronage and accessibility support. These operational factors extend the duration the boom gates remain lowered.
Experts in transport and urban planning note that extended level crossing downtimes can worsen traffic congestion in surrounding areas. When gates remain down for a significant portion of peak periods, the delays affect not only motorists but also pedestrians, cyclists, and local public transport services.
Queensland has identified 13 level crossings across south-east Queensland for removal or upgrades to improve safety and reduce congestion. While it is not confirmed whether Sherwood Road is included in these short-term projects, the wider initiative aims to address the cumulative effects of frequent and prolonged boom gate closures on local communities.
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Until upgrades or removals occur, commuters using Sherwood Road are encouraged to allow extra travel time, plan alternate routes where possible, and factor in potential delays caused by peak hour train crossings. The intersection of local roads and rail infrastructure remains a persistent source of congestion in the western suburbs of Brisbane.
Published 24-October-2025
