One of the light rail trams for Canberra. Photo: Andrew Barr/Twitter (X)
Canberra’s light rail network took another step closer to Woden after construction began on the second stage of extension work.
Stage 2A of the Canberra Light Rail project involves extending the rail network from Civic (CBD) to Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin.
This $577 million project includes 1.7km of new rail line (Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park), a new bridge over Parkes Way and three new stations for City Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park.
Construction is due for completion in 2027 with light rail services connecting Gungahlin and North Canberra to City West, ANU, the park and the lake.
The Stage 2A project is expected to create 1000 jobs.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King says Light rail is “future-proofing” Canberra with a modern public transport system.
Federal Minister for Finance and Senator for the ACT Katy Gallagher says that when she was ACT Chief Minister “I saw the potential that light rail had to transform and connect our city”.
“Stage one has proven popular and transformed the City to Gungahlin corridor.”
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr says it is pleasing to see construction start.
“It will service our city for decades to come,” he says.
ACT Transport Minister Chris Steel says “light rail has proven the benefits of mass transit in Canberra”.
“Stage 2A is part of our wider vision of building a north-south light rail line to Woden, integrated with electric buses to our suburbs,” he says.
Federal MP for Canberra Alicia Payne says the project is one of the most transformative infrastructure projects in the city’s history.
“This next stage will make it even easier for people to get around,” she predicts.
“With construction under way on Stage 2A, we are bringing light rail closer to the lake, unlocking new opportunities for housing and businesses, and ensuring our growing city has the modern, sustainable transport it needs.”
Canberra is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities with the population predicted to approach 750,000 by mid-century.
