Construction ramps up on $1.2bn Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3

The Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (GCLR3) development between Broadbeach South and Burleigh Heads in Queensland has reached another milestone with major construction ramping up. 

“Light rail has continued to go from strength to strength here on the Gold Coast, clocking in more than 65 million trips since it opened. 

“Patronage has continued to soar as Gold Coasters return to the tram by the masses,” Minister Meaghan Scanlon said. 

The works getting underway will include upgrades to the Southport depot along with essential underground services in Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach. 

GCLR3 will deliver a 6.7-kilometre extension south of the existing tram network to ultimately connect Helensvale and Burleigh Heads. 

“It’s all aboard to Burleigh. This three-way City Deal partnership is delivering modern, efficient and reliable public transport from Helensvale to Burleigh. 

“Another historic day for our city and further proof that light rail is the key to our public transport into 2025 and beyond,” City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said. 

GCLR3 route (source: Gold Coast Light Rail 3)

This stage of the light rail development will feature: 

• A 6.7-kilometre extension from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads 
• Dual track in the centre of the Gold Coast Highway 
• Eight new stations 
• Retaining two traffic lanes either side of light rail tracks 
• Five additional trams 
• A journey time of around 16 to 17 minutes from Broadbeach South station to Burleigh Heads 

“This huge and exciting project will continue to transform and enhance public transport options to cater for the future population expansion of the Gold Coast. 

“It will also provide tremendous opportunities for local industry and employment while the Gold Coast gears up for eight new light rail stations, which will incorporate bus connections. 

“I’m pleased to see how successful and popular light rail already has been on the Gold Coast, as the community anticipated the expansion and upgrade from Stage 3 construction now underway,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Along the Gold Coast Highway, traffic changes will be observed as works to relocate and upgrade major water main, sewer and gas infrastructure are carried out. 

The $1.2 billion project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments as well as the City of Gold Coast. 

“This next phase of works will see construction of the road and rail begin down the Gold Coast Highway, as well as station begin to take shape. 

“Traffic conditions on the Gold Coast Highway will look a little different, so I appreciate the patience of drivers as we deliver this important project,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

The GCLR3 is anticipated to support up to 760 good local jobs, with about 90 per cent of workers coming from the Gold Coast and surrounding regions. 

GoldlinQ – the light rail operator – has appointed John Holland to undertake the design and construction of GCLR3. 

“The start of major works is another significant step towards light rail stage three opening in 2025. 

“This is a great example of cooperation between the 3 levels of government, and will help to support the extraordinary population growth being experienced by Australia’s sixth largest city. 

“I look forward to the jobs and opportunities it will create for Gold Coasters,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt said. 

Once completed, the Gold Coast Light Rail system will connect communities with jobs and businesses as well as healthcare facilities, education, entertainment, shopping, dining and sporting hubs. 

Gold Coast Light Rail 3 is due to be completed in 2025. 

“When completed, light rail Stage 3 will connect 27 kilometres of the Gold Coast to reliable and accessible public transport all the way from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads. 

“Gold Coast Light Rail is an essential part of our successful delivery of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and will play an even more important role in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

Over the next 12 months, John Holland will continue working on the underground services infrastructure as well as the upgrading of the depot. These works will focus on upgrading major underground services from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads and preparing the Gold Coast Highway for the installation of light rail tracks. 

“Light rail’s popularity with locals and visitors to the Gold Coast, gives us confidence it will continue to be a highly used public transport mode into the future. 

“Our contractors are committed to listening and responding to the needs of the businesses and local community as work progresses,” GoldlinQ Chairman John Witheriff said. 

Early works on GCLR3 commenced in mid-2021 and this more than a billion-dollar project is beginning the next stage of its delivery phase. 

The project’s community team has also been engaging with local communities since mid-last year to provide updates on GCLR3 to businesses and residents along the project route. Various support materials and programs that encourage locals, including the construction workforce, to shop locally as well as support businesses along the GCLR3 alignment. 

“We’ll do everything we can to minimise impacts during construction. 

“We’ll also continue to actively advertise for and engage with local workers and sub-contractors to be part of this city-changing project,” John Holland CEO Joe Barr said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Gold Coast Light Rail 3; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads