Brisbane Rail Project Uses Advanced Digital Twin

Brisbane’s Cross River Rail project is addressing the city’s rapid growth by adding 6 kilometers of twin tunnels and four new underground stations. To manage the complexity of tunneling beneath the CBD, the project team used an advanced geographic information system (GIS) and created a 3D digital twin of Brisbane.

Inspired by London’s Crossrail experience, they developed a federated BIM model with standardized data formats and integrated it into Unreal Engine for immersive virtual reality exploration. This approach allows engineers and stakeholders to visualize infrastructure in detail before construction.

The digital twin includes above-ground and underground elements, ensuring precise alignment and planning. The system also supports economic impact assessments around stations and incorporates cultural heritage considerations, reflecting a broader mission to support Brisbane’s future development beyond just building a railway.