Brisbane’s CBD is now connected to the Gabba by train tracks beneath Brisbane River, marking the latest milestone for the Cross River Rail project.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced on Sunday more than 3 kilometres of tracks had been laid in each direction between the future Albert Street and Woolloongabba stations.

“This is a huge milestone for the project – and for south-east Queensland – as we continue to make progress on Queensland’s biggest rail project,” he said.

“What we’re seeing here today is the track that will move our growing population, footy fans and future Games goers once Cross River Rail is operational.”

Bailey said the project would deliver better train services to Queenslanders.

He said about 60 workers were involved in completing this stretch of tracks in the twin tunnels.

“The work going on beneath the CBD and the river itself to build Brisbane’s new underground is incredible, and I thank all the workers involved for their efforts,” he said.

“All up, crews laid about 385 tonnes of rail between the two future stations, setting about 9400 blocks in roughly 2800 cubic metres of concrete.

“It’s full steam ahead as we continue another cracking year of Cross River Rail construction.”

Bailey said work on the mechanical and electrical components in the completed section had now begun.

When asked about the cost of the project, he said it was “on time and on budget”.

“We are monitoring the impact of the market on the project. That is being looked at and examined,” he said.

“We are looking at that and we’ll see how we progress. There’s certainly been a lot of pressure on construction projects – public and private – right across the state, and across the country.”

Opposition transport spokesman Steve Minnikin said the project had already climbed beyond $8 billion.

“At estimates hearings in August, it was uncovered that the project has an overspend of $2.84 billion, which is a 48.6 per cent increase from the state government’s $5.4 billion,” he said.

“What’s more frightening, Mark Bailey softened his language today in a bid to prepare Queenslanders that more budget blowouts are coming.”