Canberra light rail’s first vehicle will begin testing on the track between Mitchell Depot and Gungahlin Town Centre this month, following energisation of the overhead wires.
The energisation phase involves powering 750 volts of electricity through light rail electrical equipment and infrastructure to ensure their readiness for vehicle operation. This process will commence in the northern section of the corridor and will be completed in stages along the 12-km route over the coming months.
“We are pleased to announce that we’ve reached an important milestone for this major project with testing of the light rail system to commence between the light rail terminus in Gungahlin and Nullarbor Avenue,” the ACT’s minister for transport said.
“It is exciting to think that very soon we will see one of our light rail vehicles travelling along the line, although for the first little while it will be at night only.”
Following electrification checks between Mitchell Depot and Gungahlin Place (Areas 1 and 2 of the corridor), the light rail vehicle will begin low speed trials of that section, travelling at speeds of 5km/h before increasing to 20km/hr. The tests will initially be carried out at night between 10:30pm and 5:00am.
Before long, the testing process will see the vehicle travelling at its final operating speed of 70km/h and being put through high speed brake tests during both day and night.
The minister said that, during the energisation and testing process, it was important the community was mindful of safety and looked out for signage and traffic controls.
“Energisation is commencing and it is a timely reminder to the community that the overhead wires are live and carry 750 volts of power, so never come into contact with them. It is safe to walk, cycle and drive under the wires, but please only cross the light rail tracks at designated crossings and intersections,” she said.
The track and vehicle preparation and testing process will continue throughout the remainder of 2018 to ensure the Stage 1 corridor is functioning smoothly prior to the commencement of passenger services expected in December 2018.