Major construction progress seen on Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3

Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail is getting underway, and Gold Coasters will be seeing rail being installed in the centre of the Gold Coast Highway in Miami. 

Rail will first be installed on the section south of Nobby Beach, followed by the section in Mermaid Beach. Approximately 28 kilometres of rail will be installed along the Stage 3 route, with about 14 kilometres expected to be in place by the end of this year. 

“Travelling between Broadbeach to Burleigh it is clear to see the progress being made on Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, and today’s milestone is more proof that the light rail project is gaining momentum. 

“Gold Coasters are clearly seeing the progress being made to build the light rail, with over 80 active work fronts on the 6.7-kilometre route. 

“I look forward to seeing the light rail extending all the way to the Gold Coast Airport in the years to come. 

“This is a city-shaping project built by the Gold Coast, for the Gold Coast,” City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said. 

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 alignment (source: GoldlinQ)

Rail works will be delivered faster than the utility upgrades done below the ground, which are being carried out along the alignment since late 2022. 

Some changes will be observed on the Gold Coast Highway and nearby side streets from Broadbeach to Miami along the Stage 3 corridor. Motorists who will pass by this route are reminded to drive to the conditions and follow directions. 

Meanwhile, utilities relocation will continue for the rest of the year in several sections on the Stage 3 alignment. 

“The first piece of rail installed in the centre of the Gold Coast Highway for the Light Rail Stage 3 project is an exciting milestone. 

“This project is a prime example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to delivering nation-shaping infrastructure, which will open up affordable public transport for Gold Coasters, while cutting congestion,” Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Murray Watt said. 

“A significant amount of the rail works including concrete pours will be undertaken during the day, which residents will appreciate. As summer approaches, there will be a requirement for night works due to the curing time for the concrete. 

“We have been pleased to see how drivers have navigated the road changes so far. The traffic changes are unavoidable during construction, but overall driver behaviour has been excellent,” GoldlinQ Chairman John Witheriff said. 

Key features of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project include: 

• 6.7-kilometre extension from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads 

• Dual track in the centre of the Gold Coast Highway 

• Eight stations 

• Retaining two traffic lanes either side of light rail tracks 

• Five additional trams 

• A journey of around 16 to 17 minutes from Broadbeach South station to Burleigh Heads 

The $1.2 billion project will also include upgrades and expansion of the existing depot and stabling facilities, new light rail and bus connections at Burleigh Heads and Miami, and supporting works and improvements including signalised traffic intersections and upgrades, safer signalised pedestrian crossings and improved pedestrian and cycling facilities. 

Once completed, the tram network will be extended 27 kilometres from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads, helping reduce congestion on local roads and improving the liveability and urban amenity of the city. 

The Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project is estimated to create more than 780 local jobs. 

“The future of transport and connectivity on the Gold Coast has hit another milestone today with the first section of track in the light rail extension officially set in stone. 

“This public transport link over its lifespan will potentially serve hundreds of millions of people from the Gold Coast and across the world. 

“The track is in the ground, we have five brand new trams added to the existing fleet, and we’re going to see plenty more work above and under the ground taking shape from now into next year. 

“We know there may be short term challenges during construction, but we know the project is continually hitting milestones that point to a bright future. 

“Not only that, but construction of Stage 3 is providing 760 locals with jobs, with more than 90 per cent of those being local and 90 per cent of procurement from local suppliers,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services Bart Mellish said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; GoldlinQ – Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3