ACT transport and city services minister Meegan Fitzharris has told Canberrans to prepare for work to ramp up in the new year, as construction crews return to build stage one of the Canberra Metro light rail project.
After the first sod was turned on the project in 2016, Fitzharris said construction would restart this week.
2017 will see the completion of utility relocation and protection works, and the commencement of major civil construction activities including laying of the concrete track form, bridge works on Flemington road, tree planting and roadworks across the corridor.
The first light rail vehicle is also expected to arrive at the new depot in 2017.
“From later this week, we can expect to see increased activity along the light rail route as work on the development of Canberra’s first light rail line gets back underway after a short break,” the minister said.
“Last year saw the first sod turned for stage 1 of the Canberra light rail project. With construction now well under way, 2017 will see the transformation of the light rail corridor from Gungahlin to Civic, leading us towards project completion by the end of 2018.”
Fitzharris said the project forms part of the territory government’s commitment to “ensuring Canberra remains a sustainable and creative city, that is easy to move around”.
“Light rail will meet our future transport needs along one of Canberra’s busiest and fastest growing corridors,” she said.
“When integrated with our bus services and better active travel connections, light rail will contribute towards achieving a quick, efficient and reliable public transport system for our growing city.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Canberra Metro and the ACT community on this exciting project this year, and would like to thank all residents and road users in advance for their patience while these works continue,” the minister concluded.