The second stage of Canberra’s city-shaping light rail project has broken ground.
The Stage 2A extension will add 1.7km of track, from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park.
Work includes a new bridge over Parkes Way as well as three new stations—City Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park.
ACT transport minister Chris Steel said it was part of building a transport corridor to Woden, 7km south of 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,” Steel said.
The light rail project has supported the rapid growth and development of Canberra’s suburbs. The national capital’s population is predicted to reach 750,000 people by 2050.
The Federal and ACT Governments are funding the project to the tune of $577 million as the city works to prevent traffic congestion and allow greater movement through the capital.
Member for Canberra Alicia Payne said the project would create opportunities for development of housing, commercial and other assets.
“With construction now 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,” Payne said.
The Canberra Light Rail Network will eventually connect Gungahlin and North Canberra to City West, the Australian National University, New Acton, Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin.
The extension is due for completion in 2027 and is expected to create 1000 jobs.
Stage 2B, now in the design and planning phase, will extend the line to Woden.
