Canberra's light rail is one step closer to reaching Woden, with construction beginning today on the Stage 2A extension.
Stage 2A of the Canberra Light Rail involves extending the existing rail network from Civic to Commonwealth Park to improve transport connections as the capital grows.
Canberra is one of Australia's fastest growing cities with the population predicted to approach 750,000 by mid-century.
This $577 million joint investment by the Albanese and Barr Labor Governments will prevent future congestion and provide greater ease of movement through our capital.
The project includes the construction of 1.7 kilometres of new rail line from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park, a new bridge over Parkes Way, and three new stations for City Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park.
Once complete, the new rail connection will unlock housing and commercial opportunities and bring Canberra's CBD closer to the lake.
Construction is due to be complete in 2027. Light rail services will connect Gungahlin and North Canberra to City West, the ANU, New Acton, Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin.
The Stage 2A project is expected to create 1000 jobs and shape the way visitors and locals move around the city.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Light rail is future-proofing Canberra with a modern public transport system, connecting residential areas with employment precincts, and recreation and lifestyle hubs.
"This is about more than just transport, it's about reshaping the way people move around Canberra and unlocking the growth of our nation's capital.
"It's one of a number of significant projects we're investing in to build Australia's future, from the cities to the suburbs."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Finance and Senator for the ACT Katy Gallagher:
"When I was ACT Chief Minister, I saw the potential that light rail had to transform and connect our city and that's why we started this project.
"Stage one of light rail has proven popular and has transformed the City to Gungahlin corridor and I am excited to see the next stage of this project getting underway to extend the tracks south of the lake.
"Only Labor delivers investments in city-changing projects like this one that build Canberra, create jobs and grow our local economy."
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
"Light rail is a long-term asset for Canberra.
"It will service our city for decades to come.
"I'm pleased to see construction on Light Rail to Commonwealth Park in the heart of our city, connecting to the future Acton Waterfront, more homes and better commercial precincts in an underused part of our CBD.
"This is the next stage of a long-term plan to make the Canberra we love, even better."
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Transport Chris Steel:
"Light rail has proven the benefits of mass transit in Canberra.
"This next stage is critical to building out the network and delivering better public transport to the rest of the city.
"Stage 2A is part of our wider vision of building a north-south light rail line to Woden, integrated with electric buses to our suburbs.
"The extension of the light rail network will also support more housing, so that more people can choose to live in well-located areas close to public transport and access to services."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Canberra Alicia Payne MP:
"Canberra's light rail is one of the most transformative infrastructure projects in our city's history, and this next stage will make it even easier for people to get around.
"With construction now underway on Stage 2A, we are bringing light rail closer to the lake, unlocking new opportunities for housing and businesses, and ensuring our growing city has the modern, sustainable transport it needs.
"This project is about making Canberra an even better place to live, work, and visit-now and for future generations."
