The 7.3km second stage will extend the line from its current northern terminus at Gold Coast University Hospital along the Smith Street Motorway to serve Parkwood before turning north to follow Queensland Rail's Varsity Lakes - Bowen Hills heavy-rail line to an interchange at Helensvale station.

The three consortia invited to tender were:

  • Leighton Contractors
  • John Holland Queensland, and
  • GamesLinQ, a joint venture of Downer EDI Works and BMD Constructions.

"We are seeking three value-for-money bids and an assurance that construction can be completed in late 2017 or early 2018 to ensure the trams and integrated public transport system is fully operational in time for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games," says Queensland's minister for transport and the Commonwealth Games Mr Stirling Hinchliffe.

A preferred bidder is due to be announced in April, with construction commencing shortly afterwards.

The final cost of Stage 2 will not be known until completion of the competitive tender process, but will include an $A 95m ($US 68m) contribution from the Australian government.