Final section of rail installed on light rail project
14 November 2018
ACT Government:
Canberra’s Light
Rail project has reached a mammoth milestone with the last section
of
rail being installed along the Gungahlin to the City corridor,
Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris announced today.
The Minister also confirmed that services on
Canberra’s first
light rail project will commence in early 2019 with
construction still on track to finish later this year.
“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,” said Minister Fitzharris.
“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.
“The
ACT Government, in conjunction with
Canberra Metro, would like to
thank the community for their continued patience and understanding as we
get closer to the completion of construction.”
Minister Fitzharris said it was clear to everyone who travels along the
route that significant progress is being made on the project. All the
light rail vehicles are now in Canberra, the track slab has been laid
and landscaping is being done across the project.
“It’s really exciting to see how much progress has been made, and I know
the community is keen to find out when they can begin riding on light
rail.
“Following completion of construction, Canberra Metro will need to
obtain third party rail accreditation from the Office of National Rail
Safety Regulator and the Independent Certifier before the system begins
operations.
“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.
“We’re also working on a plan to design a launch weekend that will give
as many Canberrans as possible the chance to ride light rail on the
first weekend, and we’ll have more to say about this soon.
“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,” said Minister Fitzharris.
--ENDS--
Source: ACT Government - www.cmd.act.gov.au
Contact: Media Contact: Claire Johnston 0452 597 459
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