Industry News, Latest News

Works begin on next stage of the $709M Gold Coast Light Rail

Gold Coast light rail. Image courtesy of G:Link.

Work has started to prepare for construction of the next stage of Gold Coast Light Rail.

Fences have gone up near the light rail stops at Broadbeach to create a construction compound for the $709 million project to extend light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government would continue delivering major projects and supporting jobs during its response to COVID-19.

“We’re supporting jobs where we can and we’re continuing our track record of delivering infrastructure for the Gold Coast community,” Ms. Palaszczuk said.

“Light rail on the Gold Coast is an important local employer, supporting about 800 operational jobs with this next stage to Burleigh expected to support more than 760 jobs.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A would be a game changer for jobs and infrastructure on the Gold Coast.

“More than 700 jobs will be supported during construction and hundreds more local jobs will be created once this next stage is up and running,” Mr. Tudge said.

“By extending the existing light rail system from Broadbeach South Station to Burleigh Heads it also means cars coming off the road along the southern Gold Coast.”

Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews said progressing work for the light rail extension as well as the M1 upgrade was vital for boosting the workforce on the Gold Coast.

“Many sectors on the Gold Coast have been heavily impacted by the coronavirus, so it’s great timing to get this infrastructure built and create much-needed jobs,” Ms. Andrews said.

“When we begin to recover, work will be well-underway on this congestion-busting infrastructure, making our city more connected and an even better place to live.”

Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Queensland is preparing the Broadbeach site in preparation for the successful contractor.

TMR workers and contractractors engaging in light rail early works are required to provide a COVID-19 plan including social distancing and other protective measures for both workers and the community.

Other early light rail works are already occurring along the Gold Coast Highway, including borehole testing and site investigations, which were being done at night when traffic volumes are lowest.

GoldlinQ continues to manage the tender process for a construction partner, with an announcement of a successful bidder expected towards the end of 2020.

We know many people are working remotely, for a free home subscription to Roads & Infrastructure click here.


Related stories:

Send this to a friend