Gold Coast light rail ready to roll Tuesday, 22 March 2016

The Queensland Government has announced CPB Contractors as the preferred contractor for Stage Two of the Gold Coast light rail project.

The 7.3 km extension will connect the northern end of the existing light rail at Griffith University's Gold Coast campus in Southport with the heavy rail line at Helensvale station. It will feature two additional light rail stations at Parkwood and Parkwood East, a new 1,000 space park and ride facility at Parkwood, and a 400 space park and ride at Helensvale.

Queensland Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the preferred contractor had been selected following a rigorous evaluation process considering the best value for money bid and an assurance construction would be completed by early 2018 to ensure the trams and integrated public transport system was fully operational in time for the Commonwealth Games.

“CPB Contractors has extensive rail experience and a strong track record in the construction industry and most importantly they’ve given a commitment Stage 2 construction will be opened ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“Now we’ve announced the preferred contractors, early works on the light rail extension will able to start next month. Once it is built, Stage Two will have the potential to carry 3,000 passengers per hour which will be critical to support the transport plan for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

CPB Contractors was formerly known as Leighton Contractors and is part of the CIMIC Group. CPB Managing Director Román Garrido said their team had worked on major rail projects across Australia, and was focused on delivering a value for money solution.

Funding for the $420 million project will include a $270 million contribution from the Queensland Government, $95 million from the Australian Government and $55 million from the City of Gold Coast Council. The Queensland Government estimates the finished line will contribute $160 million to the Gross State Product.

 

Photo: CPB Contractors