Australasian Railway Association CEO Caroline Wilkie has welcomed an announcement made by the ACT Minister for Transport, Chris Steel MLA at the Australasian Railway Association’s Light Rail Conference that the ACT Government will commission pre-feasibility studies into the extension of ACT Light Rail into further parts of Canberra.
“Minister Steel’s announcement that the ACT Government will commission pre-feasibility studies into building new Light Rail connecting Belconnen to the airport via Canberra city and from Woden to Tuggeranong, is to be commended as good long term infrastructure planning,” said Ms Wilke.
“Canberra Light Rail Stage 1, from Gungahlin to Canberra City is now operating incredibly successfully since its opening in April 2019, with patronage levels far exceeding expectations,” said Ms Wilkie.
“The stage 2 extension across Lake Burley Griffin, through the Parliamentary triangle to Woden is now in detailed planning stage and close to contract signing, with work expected to commence later this year.”
“The Minister said that the studies will include community consultation and will examine these future light rail corridors, including land use, the route, alignment and stop options to inform future Government decision making.”
“Light Rail provides great environmental benefits, reducing greenhouse emissions due to the ACT Government’s commitment to use of 100% renewable energy by 2020 and by taking cars off the road,” she concluded.
Australian Light Rail operators, manufactures, contactors and city planners are attending the ARA two day Light Rail 2020 Conference in Canberra this week.
ENDS