The final piece of track has been connected on Gold Coast Light Rail (G:Link) Stage 2 connecting the Stage 1 line at the Gold Coast University Hospital with the heavy rail line at Helensvale.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the final weld was an exciting milestone in the countdown to the commencement of passenger services early next year.
“Light Rail has fundamentally changed public transport on the Gold Coast and once Stage 2 opens people will be able to travel seamlessly across the Coast and to Brisbane,” the Premier said.
“The improved rail connectivity between Queensland’s two largest cities has been embraced by the people of the Gold Coast and will help drive future growth and opportunity."
She also announced a $5 million commitment towards developing a business case for the next stage, extending the other end of the line from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said it was one of the fastest growing cities and attracts over 12 million visitors annually.
“We know that the Gold Coast is growing and extending the G:Link will help to make sure we’re ready for that growth and connect our community like never before,” Tate said.
“Besides underpinning a truly world class integrated public transport system, the light rail is assisting council in meeting our objectives of increasing accessibility to key activity centres, and reducing congestion on the roads. I’m very happy with the funding committed to the business case for Stage 3A and will be continuing to work closely with the Palaszczuk Government as we work to deliver this project.”
John Witheriff, Chairman of the G:Link operator GoldlinQ, said a great deal of work had gone into reaching this point, including the removal of two large sections of rock along Smith Street Motorway, which was a critical element that allowed rail works to advance.
"Motorists who drive the Smith Street Motorway would have seen the works at the end of Uplands Drive where we have removed about 84,000 tonnes of rock, which has reduced the height of the hillside by about 18 metres,” Witheriff said.
[Artist's impression of the new Parkvale East station. Image: GoldlinQ]