6 October 2017

First tracks laid on light rail network as Northbourne intersection closures announced

| Ian Bushnell
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people in vests and hard hats

Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Minister for Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris inspect the newly laid tracks.

The first tracks of Stage 1 of Canberra’s light rail network have been laid on Flemington Road, Franklin.

The milestone came as the ACT Government announced the closures of four Northbourne Avenue intersections from October to December.

The affected intersections Mouat Street/Antill Street, Barry Drive/Cooyong Street, Macarthur Avenue/Wakefield Avenue and Barton Highway/Northbourne Avenue.

The first closures will be at the Mouat Street and Antill Street intersections from 8 pm Friday 6 October until 4 am on Monday 9 October. Traffic will not be able to turn right into Mouat Street or Antill Street from Northbourne Avenue and traffic will not be able to cross Northbourne Avenue between Mouat Street and Antill Street.

The Netball ACT Car Park will close from Monday 9 October 2017 to January 2018 for permanent earthworks.

The Northbourne Avenue Yowani Country Club bus stop will be closed until December and a temporary bus stop has been planned for 200 metres south of the current stop on Northbourne Ave. To view bus stop closures and route diversions please visit http://www.transport.act.gov.au/service-updates

Transport Canberra said more information on closures at Barry Drive, Cooyong Street, Macarthur Avenue, Wakefield Avenue and the Barton Highway would be available soon.

Minister for Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris said that the laying of the track was a sign of the construction progress.

“Laying the first tracks is a very significant moment in any rail project,” Ms Fitzharris said.

“Light Rail in Canberra offers an exciting opportunity to transform our city. It will deliver a truly integrated transport network that provides convenient, efficient, affordable and reliable options for Canberrans and visitors to move around the city.”

Work towards Stage 2 of the network, which will go to Woden in line with the Government’s 2016 election commitment, was also progressing well, with almost 5,000 Canberrans giving their input on preferred route options, alignment and stops in a recent consultation.

Transport Canberra and City Services said Canberra Metro would not carry out any major construction works on the Light Rail during the Christmas holiday period from 22 December 2017 to 2 January 2018.

For more information on Light Rail Stage 1 visit www.canberra-metro.com.au.

For up-to-date information on road closures call Canberra Metro on 1300 208 824, visit www.canberra-metro.com.au or follow Canberra Metro on social media.

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dungfungus said :

I hope those rails are Made In Australia because precious little else is being made here for the Capital Metro Trolley Folly.

Rails aren’t Australian made (although I can’t remember where they are made either!). I’d like to know what is Aussie made if anyone could enlighten me…..

Why was this trip necessary? Anyone would think the tram project is his personal property:

http://www.smh.com.au/act-news/act-chief-minister-andrew-barr-inspects-first-of-canberra-trams-20171019-gz4dyt.html

Yet another expert slams the light rail as “a stupid decision” and ACT government spokesman blames the pre-self government Commonwealth for the planning problems.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-17/gungahlin-canberra-disaster-capital-change/9057990

JC said :

dungfungus said :

Wellington NZ tram enthusiasts recent fact-finding light rail visit to Canberra finds 450,000 people live here:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/97656503/Opinion-Lessons-for-Wellington-from-Canberras-light-rail

Pity you didn’t take in parts of the rest of that article. If you did you may finally ‘get it’.

I “got it” last week in the mail JC. A rate notice with a massive increase without explanation.

dungfungus said :

Wellington NZ tram enthusiasts recent fact-finding light rail visit to Canberra finds 450,000 people live here:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/97656503/Opinion-Lessons-for-Wellington-from-Canberras-light-rail

Pity you didn’t take in parts of the rest of that article. If you did you may finally ‘get it’.

Wellington NZ tram enthusiasts recent fact-finding light rail visit to Canberra finds 450,000 people live here:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/97656503/Opinion-Lessons-for-Wellington-from-Canberras-light-rail

Toy trains and driverless cars. I would just like to get into Hospital please

I hope those rails are Made In Australia because precious little else is being made here for the Capital Metro Trolley Folly.

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