Queensland Minister for Transport Scott Emerson

Queensland Minister for Main Roads Scott Emerson

Heavy Work To Transport Light Rail To Gold Coast

Victor P Taffa

Queensland’s first light rail system reached a major milestone this week as 2,800 tonnes of rail track is being trucked to the Gold Coast.

The track which stretches 55 km for the $1 Billion Gold Coast Rapid Transit (GCRT) project is being transported from the Port of Brisbane in preparation for laying along the 13 km Stage One route.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said this milestone reinforced the government’s commitment to delivering the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project.

“This next step gets us closer to delivering the future transport needs of Gold Coast residents.” Mr. Emerson said.

“These 18 metre lengths of rail track were made in Austria, shipped into the Port of Brisbane and are now being loaded on to trucks to make its way to a secure storage site on the northern Gold Coast.”

“The track laying is expected to begin in coming months.”

The GCRT is being delivered in a Public Private Partnership between the Federal Government, the Queensland Government, Gold Coast City Council and consortium GoldLinQ.

GoldLinQ CEO Phil Mumford said the project was progressing well, with the delivery of the rail on schedule and passenger services on track to start in 2014.

“This project is a mix of world-leading technology and local expertise.” Mr. Mumford said.

“Due to the highly specialised expertise and equipment required, the rail was manufactured in Austria by Voestalpine Shienen GmbH.”

“It is the only company currently producing the track gauge being used on the Gold Coast light rail system.”

Facts Of Interest

·It will take 140 semi-trailer trips to transport the tracks to their destination.

·The rail will be used for two lines of light rail track, north and southbound servicing the Health and Knowledge precinct, the Depot, Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

·Fourteen light rail vehicles will operate along the route, with steel wheels fitted to run on the fixed rail.

·There will be 16 stations and the system can cater for up to 75,000 passengers a day.