Trams on Track for Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2
Power is on, the track is done and last week Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2 reached a new milestone with testing of trams beginning on September 8.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who was visiting the Gold Coast today, said the first tram has successfully been tested on the new 7.3 kilometre light rail extension between Gold Coast University Hospital and Helensvale station.
Ms Palaszczuk said:
“Gold Coast Light Rail has transformed public transport on the Gold Coast and Stage 2 is going build on this fantastic legacy,”
“Once Stage 2 is complete locals and tourists alike will have a smooth, one-transfer journey between Brisbane and the Gold Coast’s most iconic destinations.
“Testing has gotten underway successfully and Stage 2 is well on track to be ready in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said that testing would continue over the following months.
Ms Trad said:
“Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2 is key to a modern, reliable public transport system for Queensland’s second biggest city”
“As the Gold Coast grows, this piece of infrastructure is going to become increasingly important, connecting people to jobs, tourist attractions and community amenities.
“Trams are currently being tested on the new line at night, starting at low speeds. As the testing progresses, the trams work their way up to operational speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour.
“Gold Coast locals between Broadbeach and Southport are very familiar with the light rail in their area. Now residents and road users in Parkwood, Arundel and Helensvale will start to become familiar with light rail operations in their neighbourhood.”
GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mumford said the testing of trams was not only an important time for the project team and specialist engineers involved in construction but also for the community.
G:link’s trial running period will be the last phase of operational readiness testing ahead of passenger services starting in early 2018.
Original article © GoldLinQ.
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