Gold Coast light rail stage 3A: First resumptions for Broadbeach to Burleigh tram extension

Construction of the $709 million light rail extension to Burleigh is one step closer as work is fast-tracked in response to COVID-19. The State Government has revealed when the first resumptions will begin

CONSTRUCTION of the $709 million light rail extension to Burleigh is one step closer as work is fast-tracked in response to COVID-19.

Fences went up at Broadbeach yesterday morning as machinery moved in to begin building a construction compound before digging begins on the tramline.

Construction is one step closer.

Among the first pieces of work set to start within weeks is the demolition of the Caltex service station on the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads to make way for a new terminus of the line.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was one of several big-ticket projects getting underway.

“We made a commitment to keep light rail moving on the Gold Coast and that’s what we’re doing,” he said.

“We are also continuing on with two major Gold Coast M1 upgrades between Mudgeeraba and Tugun, which are providing an important pipeline of local jobs too.”

The Caltex site will be cleared to make way for this station.

Early works already underway on the highway include borehole testing and site investigations, which are at night when traffic volumes are lowest.

The tender process is for a construction partner with operator GoldLinQ, with an announcement expected later this year.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said hundreds of jobs would be on offer for the project.

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

Major construction will begin later this year.

“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.’’

In February the State Government announced three companies would progress from expressions of interest (EOI) to the final round of the tender process.

They included:

● Burleigh Link JV: a joint venture between Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd and UGL Engineering Pty Ltd.

● CPBSW JV: a joint venture between CPB Contractors Pty Ltd and Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd.

● John Holland Pty Ltd.

The next phase of the tender process will end next month.

McPherson MP Karen Andrews said both the light rail extension and the imminent construction of the $1 billion M1 upgrade between Varsity Lakes and Tugun would provide significant employment at a time when the city was struggling.

“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.”