The $A 709m ($US 507.4m) project, jointly funded by local, state, and federal governments, will extend the light rail line to Burleigh Heads from its current terminus in Broadbeach. The 6.7km double-track extension adds eight stops and scheduled for completion in 2023.
John Holland edged out the CPBSW joint venture of CPB Contractors and Seymour Whyte Construction, and the Burleigh Link JV between Fulton Hogan Construction and UGL Engineering for the contract.
Enabling works and utilities diversion has already started and the main works contract is expected to be finalised by the end of this year so construction can begin in early 2021.
The extension will be built in the central reservation of the existing Gold Coast Highway and is expected to offer a journey time of around 17 minutes. It will take the line to a total length of 27km with 27 stops.
A further five LRVs will be purchased to augment the 18 seven-section Flexity 2 vehicles supplied by Bombardier for stages 1 and 2. Keolis Downer will continue to operate the extended line under contract to owners GoldlinQ.
Queensland’s minister for transport and main roads, Mr Mark Bailey, who is also MP for Broadbeach, said that construction of the extension would support more than 760 jobs, helping to revitalise the local economy following the coronavirus pandemic.
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