Gold Coast light rail stage 3A: Expressions of interest launch for Broadbeach to Burleigh extension

The first step has been taken to begin construction of the light rail extension to Burleigh just two weeks after the project’s funding was secured.

EXPRESSIONS of interest to work on the $706 million Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads light rail extension have launched, just two weeks after the project’s funding was secured.

The first industry briefing will be held on December 9 for companies hoping to be involved in the design and construction of the 6.7km Stage 3A extension.

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Get ready, the trams are coming!

GoldlinQ chairman John Witheriff said the competitive tender process would start with interest being sought from leading national and international companies.

“A shortlist of selected contractors will be determined early next year with a detailed tender process to follow, allowing a construction partner to be appointed and major works to start in the second half of 2020,” he said.

“Lessons learnt from Stage 1 were implemented in the delivery of Stage 2 and our focus is on ensuring value for money, an innovative construction approach and minimising community impacts.”

TRAM FUNDING DEAL FAST-TRACKS GIANT BURLEIGH DEVELOPMENT

A deal was struck to approve the tram last month. Picture: Jerad Williams

The Bulletin last month revealed a deal had been struck between the state and federal governments for Canberra to put an extra $157 million into the project.

The Commonwealth injection ended a funding stand-off with the State Government that threatened to derail the project.

State Transport Minister Mark Bailey said more than 760 jobs would be created during construction.

Work will begin next year.

“Light rail revolutionised public transport on the Coast and it’s been a major job-creating project for Australia’s sixth-largest city,” he said.

“Gold Coasters and people from across the world have embraced the G, with more than 42 million trips taken since Stage 1 opened five years ago.”

The extension to Burleigh Heads will incorporate eight new stations. The route will follow the Gold Coast Highway, which will continue to have four lanes of traffic.

The first passengers are set to arrive in Burleigh Heads in 2023.

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: $5 PER MONTH FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS

The trams will be operating in 2023.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the launch of the expressions-of-interest campaign was one step closer to reducing congestion.

“With current patronage approaching one million trips per month, and Stage 3A forecast to result in a significant increase to this, the light rail is a real success story for the Gold Coast,” he said.

“It’s also a significant aspect of our transport strategy, which aims to get more people off the roads and moving around the city more sustainably.

“Of course the jobs created during construction are also a bonus for our local economy, so let’s bring it on.”

To register for the EOI process, visit www.goldlinq.com.au.