Final tracks laid as Gold Coast light rail connects Broadbeach and Burleigh
The final piece of Gold Coast’s light rail puzzle has fallen into place, with track completion bringing the long-awaited Broadbeach to Burleigh connection close to reality.
The final tracks have been laid in the construction of light rail stage three between Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.
The last piece of the missing link was installed this week by workers along the Miami section in a significant milestone for the project as it moves into the final phase of work.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads statement said there was still much to be done before the first passengers boarded mid-year.
“A major milestone has been reached, with the final segment of rail now installed connecting 6.7km of track from Broadbeach to Burleigh,” it reads.
“This achievement marks significant progress, with complex construction delivered across 17 intersections and nine rail turnouts since works began.
“Final construction works in the southern section are continuing, with testing and commissioning across the full alignment coming up soon.”
Testing of the northern section of the 6.7km link, between Broadbeach and Miami, began in October, with tram No. 7 travelling under police escort.
It resumed following a pause during the Christmas season, with the first trams expected to run along the southern section of the extension in coming months.
Power lines above the tracks have already been electrified, with warnings each line carries 750 volts of power.
More than 74,000 plants, including native trees, shrubs and ground cover, have been planted between Broadbeach and Miami.
There will ultimately be 118,000 plants along the full stage three route, while nearby parks will be upgraded.
The state government is expected to announce details in coming months on an alternative to the now-shelved light rail stage four between Burleigh Heads and the border.