Gold Coast light-rail stage two on track with contractor appointed and work to start in April
CPB Contractors is the firm that will design and construct stage two of the Gold Coast light-rail line, the Queensland Government announced recently.
The 7.3 kilometre extension of the existing G:Link service will connect the existing light-rail line at Gold Coast University Hospital station to heavy rail at the Helensvale station in time for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April 2018.
“Stage Two will complete the missing link between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and will provide an immediate boost to the construction industry supporting up to 1,000 new construction jobs,” Queensland deputy premier Jackie Trad says.
“The business case confirmed stage two will contribute an estimated $160 million to the Gross State Product (GSP) and now we’ve selected the preferred contractor it is full steam ahead to deliver this project in time for the Commonwealth Games.”
The project will cost $420 million, with the Queensland Government investing $270 million, $95 million coming from the Federal Government and $55 million from the City of Gold Coast Council.
“Light rail has already transformed the Gold Coast, but stage two will provide a seamless journey for these passengers to move around the coast and connect to Brisbane,” Trad says.
The preferred contractor was selected following a rigorous evaluation process considering the best value for money bid and an assurance construction will be complete by early 2018, to ensure the trams and integrated public transport system will be fully operational in time for the Commonwealth Games.
“CPB Contractors has extensive rail experience and a strong track record in the construction industry,” Queensland minister for transport Stirling Hinchliffe says.
“The Palaszczuk Government is satisfied CPB Contractors is experienced, well-qualified and has the expertise.”
“Now we’ve announced the preferred contractors, early works on the light rail extension will able to start next month.
Once built, stage two will have the potential to carry 3,000 passengers an hour.
CPB Contractors will now undertake survey work and site investigations and start recruiting workers for the project.