Page 4474 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 30 October 2018
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MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Mr Pettersson for the question. Last Friday, I was very pleased to help Canberra Metro lay the final piece of light rail track. The installation of the final section of rail is a very significant moment in any rail project, and from here we expect to see more light rail vehicles being tested right along the alignment in the coming weeks.
Mr Wall interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Wall, no interjections, please.
MS FITZHARRIS: Significant progress is being made, and we expect construction to be completed this year. All the light rail vehicles are now in Canberra, over 25Â kilometres of concrete track slab has been laid, and tree planting and landscaping are underway across the full length of the alignment. Anyone who travels the route can see the changes day by day, and it is incredibly exciting to see the progress that has been made.
Other works recently completed or currently underway include the following. At the Gungahlin terminus on Hibberson Street, the majority of the civil and landscaping works have been completed. Works are ongoing at all 13 stops. Stop canopies have been installed, with fit-out on the canopies and other finishing works continuing, including the installation of the very beautiful glass panels on each of the stops. Overhead poles and wires have been installed from Gungahlin to Alinga Street and in most of the depot area.
It is clear to all that significant progress is being made on the project. As was released last week, services will start in early 2019. Along with Transport Canberra and Canberra Metro, I look forward to continuing to update the community on the final stages of construction and on the operations of light rail for Canberra.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, what are the remaining key milestones for the construction of light rail stage 1?
MS FITZHARRIS: As I outlined in my previous answer, a huge amount of progress has been made on the construction of the Gungahlin-to-city light rail project, the first stage of light rail in Canberra. A number of important works are also nearing completion, including the energisation of the final section in the coming weeks.
Energisation of a large portion of the alignment has already occurred. There are five traction power stations along the route with stations 1, 2, 3 and 4 having been both installed and energised. Traction power station 5 has been installed on Mort Street and will soon be energised.
Another key milestone for the project will be the completion of the Mitchell depot. Current works are focused on the internal fit-out of the building, with the administration and maintenance facilities nearing completion. Canberra Metro are expected to relocate to the Mitchell depot in the coming weeks.
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