A contractor has been chosen to deliver the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage Two project, which will extend the line to a connection at the heavy rail line at Helensvale.
Minister for transport and the Commonwealth Games Stirling Hinchcliffe announced CPB Contractors – formerly Leighton Contractors – as the preferred contractor to design and build the 7.3km extension.
CPB beat out fellow shortlisted bidders John Holland, and a consortium of Downer EDI and BMD Constructions.
Hinchliffe said the state had chosen the best value for money bid, as well as a bidder that provided the assurance that construction would be completed by early 2018.
The light rail extension has to be finished in time for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
“CPB Contractors has extensive rail experience and a strong track record in the construction industry and most importantly they’ve given a commitment Stage 2 construction will be opened ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” Hinchliffe said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is satisfied CPB Contractors is experienced, well-qualified and has the expertise to manage the design and construction of the second stage of the Gold Coast Light Rail system and deliver it in time for the 2018 Games.
“Now we’ve announced the preferred contractors, early works on the light rail extension will able to start next month.
“Once it is built Stage Two, will have the potential to carry 3,000 passengers per hour which will be critical to support the transport plan for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the second stage of the rail line would complete the missing link between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and would provide an immediate boost to the construction industry with up to 1000 new construction jobs.
“The business case confirmed Stage Two will contribute an estimated $160 million to the Gross State Product and now we’ve selected the preferred contractor it is full steam ahead to deliver this project in time for the Commonwealth Games,” Trad said.
“Light rail has already transformed the Gold Coast, but Stage Two will provide a seamless journey for these passengers to move around the Coast and connect to Brisbane.
“This announcement sends a clear message that the Palaszczuk Government is getting on with the job of building infrastructure that will grow the economy and boost jobs.”
John Witheriff, chairman of stage one contractor and line operator GoldLinQ, said his company would work with CPB Contractors as it continued to refine its tender proposal.
“During this phase it is full steam ahead for CPB Contractors while they work on the detailed design for Stage 2, undertake survey work and site investigations and start recruiting their workforce,” Witheriff said.
“As part of the contract commitments made by CPB Contractors, they will engage with local workers and businesses to work on the project, which is great news for the Gold Coast community.”
The $420 million light rail extension is being delivered through a $270 million contribution from the Queensland Government, $95 million from the Australian Government and $55 million from the City of Gold Coast Council.