ACT transport minister Meegan Fitzharris has conceded Canberra’s new light rail line won’t be open until early next year, a delay on the original completion date of late 2018.
Fitzharris on Friday confirmed services on the city’s first light rail project won’t commence until early 2019, but looked to soften the blow by announcing a “mammoth milestone” had been reached with the last section of rail installed along the corridor.
“Just over a year after the rail installation began on the project in Gungahlin, this significant milestone today brings Canberra’s light rail system one step closer to reality,” Fitzharris said.
“The final installation of rail is a very significant moment in any rail project. From here we expect to see more of the light rail vehicles being tested along the alignment over the coming weeks.
Fitzharris said once construction is complete, Canberra Metro will need to obtain accreditation from the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator and the Independent Certifier, before operations can begin.
“While this means we don’t yet have an exact date, I can confirm we are expecting the first services to begin in early 2019, which is really exciting,” she said.
“As with any complex infrastructure project, there are also risks that affect timing such as weather, the testing and commissioning of rail and signalling systems, and finalising of the stops.
“It is clear to all that significant progress is being made on the project, and I look forward to updating the community on a start date as soon as possible.”