Construction for the 7.3-kilometre second stage of the Gold Coast Light Rail extension is set to begin next month.
Queensland Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe announced this week that permanent works on Stage 2 would start on schedule in July following the completion of site investigations.
“Since the Queensland Government and GoldLinQ finalised project documents on 28 April 2016, GoldLinQ’s construction contractor CPB Contractors have worked hard on the detailed design and approvals process and will start construction early next month,” he said in a statement.
Major construction activity will begin in areas between Helensvale heavy rail station and the light rail station at Gold Coast University Hospital.
Mr. Hinchliffe said construction will continue into next year with testing to occur in the second half of 2017 to ensure the trams will be able to carry passengers to and from Helensvale before the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018.
The 7.3-kilometre extension route runs from Gold Coast University Hospital light rail station, next to the Smith Street Motorway then near the Gold Coast Rail line to connect with heavy rail at Helensvale station.
Stage 2 will also include three new light rail stations at Parkwood East, Parkwood and Helensvale and an extra 1400 park’n’ride carparks at Helensvale and Parkwood stations.