The ACT Government plans to commission pre-feasibility studies into extending the ACT Light Rail over a larger part of Canberra.
ACT Minister for Transport, Chris Steel, announced the plans at the Australasian Railway Association’s (ARA) Light Rail Conference.
ARA CEO, Caroline Wilkie, welcomed the decision.
“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.
“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.
“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,” Ms Wilkie said.
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 per cent renewable energy by 2020 and by taking cars off the road,” Ms Wilkie said.
