In a new milestone for Canberra's public transport network, construction has commenced on a new light rail stop in Mitchell – the Sandford Street Stop.
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said the project would draw on a wide range of expertise, with more than 200 people employed in the design and construction of the project.
"Now more than ever, we need to protect local jobs, invest in local businesses and support our city's economic recovery," Minister Steel said.
"The start of construction on the Mitchell light rail stop will create local jobs in the construction phase as well as supporting existing and emerging businesses in Mitchell and support the development of the future suburb of Kenny.
"I know that the construction of this new stop has been highly anticipated by the business community here in Mitchell and that this will give people more options to visit the area.
"We now have shovels in the ground, having completed design work and progressed through planning approvals and procurement.
"This month will continue with early works including utility service relocations, underboring and geotechnical works.
"By early next year we will be ready to crane in large parts of the stop, much of which is being pre-fabricated by a local firm offsite to minimise disruption to the local community and existing light rail passengers.
"All up we expect the construction (on and off site) to take about seven months, with Canberra's 14th light rail stop due to become operational in the second half of 2021."
The new stop at Mitchell will be located at the corner of Flemington Road and Sandford Street and will be an island stop design, allowing access to both sides of the platform via a signalised road crossing.
Once operational, passengers will enjoy a journey time of approximately 15 minutes to the City, and about 9 minutes to Gungahlin.
Minister Steel said that there would be some disruptions to light rail services from the 10th – 23rd of January 2021, with services from Gungahlin to EPIC & Racecourse stops replaced by buses during this time.
These disruptions will also occur for a shorter period of time in late February or early March 2021 with more information provided closer to this time.
"The rail replacement bus services will be free of charge for Canberrans who are inconvenienced by the construction of this additional stop," Minister Steel said.
"Buses will operate to a higher frequency compared to the normal light rail frequency with buses running every 3-15 minutes. Light rail services will continue to run between Alinga Street and EPIC & Racecourse stops during this time.
"Park & Ride facilities are available at EPIC for Canberrans who choose to travel to and from EPIC & Racecourse stop by car."
You can stay up to date regarding alternative travel options during temporary light rail disruptions by visiting www.transport.act.gov.au
