Construction has officially begun on the Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A extension, marking a significant milestone in the city’s public transport development.
The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) CEO Caroline Wilkie today welcomed the start of construction, highlighting the project’s potential to deliver substantial economic, environmental, and social benefits to the nation’s capital.
The 1.7-kilometre extension from Civic to Commonwealth Park will include three new stations at City Edinburgh Avenue, City South, and Commonwealth Park, as well as a new bridge over Parkes Way.
The project is expected to be completed in 2027, connecting Gungahlin and North Canberra to City West, the ANU, New Acton, Commonwealth Park, and Lake Burley Griffin.
Wilkie emphasised the transformative impact of light rail on urban development, citing the success of the first stage of the Canberra Light Rail project.
“We have already seen how light rail acts as a catalyst for continued urban renewal with the first stage of the Canberra Light Rail project,” she stated.
“The project has facilitated hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment and completely transformed the gateway corridor into the nation’s capital.”
The ARA’s research demonstrates the efficiency of light rail in urban settings.
Light rail can move between 4,000 and 20,000 people per hour in one direction, significantly outperforming traditional road traffic and bus systems in terms of capacity.
Environmental benefits are also a key factor in the project’s importance.
“Rail plays a significant role in our journey to net zero emissions and the Canberra Light Rail offers an accessible, safe, easy-to-use transport solution that eases congestion and dramatically reduces carbon emissions,” Wilkie explained.
The extension is part of a broader plan to create a north-south public transport spine for Canberra, further connecting the city’s key employment, residential, and commercial hubs.
With Canberra’s population expected to approach 750,000 by 2050, the light rail expansion is seen as crucial for managing future growth and preventing unnecessary congestion.
As construction begins, Canberrans can look forward to a future with world-class public transport infrastructure that is safe, accessible, and sustainable.
The project represents a significant step towards ensuring continued investment and urban renewal in the nation’s capital while addressing the challenges of population growth and environmental sustainability.
