How will a Belconnen line connect to the existing line in the city? Photo: Region.
It’s been six years since the ACT Government published its Light Rail Network Plan, and as the city edges towards the next stage, it has now decided it is time for a refresh, particularly regarding how the city would operate as a central hub.
Consultancy firm Arup has been hired to update the Plan and prepare the way for future stages of the network, evidence of the government’s continuing commitment to light rail.
Transport Canberra is still saying that a stage a decade will be delivered, despite growing doubts about the government’s timelines and Minister Chris Steel’s reluctance to provide completion dates for Stage 2A to Commonwealth Park and the much more complex leg across the lake to Woden via the Parliamentary Zone.
A government spokesperson said the refresh would not affect the route of Light Rail Stage 2A, which was locked in, but Arup would take on board work being done on 2A, particularly to guide how the city precinct would integrate future stages.
Light Rail Stage 3 is expected to be an east-west link between Belconnen and Canberra Airport, and it will intersect in the city with the north-south spine between Gungahlin and Woden.
The spokesperson said the city would be a critical element of a future light rail network.
“This is where the current north-south and the future east-west lines will connect both physically and operationally,” the spokesperson said.
“This work will inform potential routes that future light rail alignments may navigate into and through the city centre as part of a network and how they integrate with Light Rail Stage 1 and 2 (Woden to Gungahlin) to ensure a seamless customer experience.”
The planned light rail network as set out in the government’s Infrastructure Plan. Image: ACT Government.
The refresh would also guide land-use planning for future stages of light rail, particularly for the Belconnen route.
The Future Light rail – Network Plan Refresh and City Future Proofing contract comes as work gets underway to raise London Circuit, a two-year project that is a prerequisite for Stage 2A, which still awaits planning approval and the conclusion of contract negotiations.
Stage 2A has received federal funding of $132.5 million, some of which will go towards five more light rail vehicles, so the fleet can be progressively retrofitted with batteries for wire-free running on the Stage2 routes.
Stage 2B has multiple approval hurdles to negotiate, including Federal Parliament, but the government is confident that a sympathetic Albanese Government will also come to the party for the haul to Woden.
Last week, ACT Independent Senator David Pocock cast doubt on the viability of future light rail stages. It follows the Canberra Liberals’ dogged pursuit of the government on the project’s time frame and business case.
Transport spokesperson Mark Parton is expected to make an announcement next week, but the party is playing down its significance.
According to the contract, Arup will be paid $98,000 for the refresh.
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