Gold Coast light rail project restarts

Construction of a new light rail system in Australia’s Gold Coast is set to continue following a six-week break to appease city traders.

GoldLinQ has begun work on the Surfers Paradise Boulevard section of the line after rescheduling its programme of works to reduce disruption to the popular tourist spot over the Christmas and new year period.

In June 2011, GoldLinQ was awarded the contract to design, build and operate Stage One of the 13 km light rail system.

The Surfers Paradise section will include a new light rail bridge over the Nerang River and the construction six new stations.

The $1 billion network, which is due to open in 2014, is being completed in partnership with the state and federal government and Gold Coast City Council.

Chief executive Phil Mumford said: “The next four months are going to be intense construction-wise, but at the end we will only have footpaths and station fit-outs followed by landscaping remaining.

“There will be two sections of the boulevard to come back and complete once the initial four-month works are done and we will keep the community well informed of when that will be.”