GHD and SMEC joint venture appointed as Independent Verifier for Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2

In a 50/50 joint venture, SMEC and GHD have been appointed as the Independent Verifier (known as the GHD SMEC JV) for the $420 million Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2.

The Gold Coast Light Rail, also known as G:link or the ‘G’, is a world class light rail system serving Gold Coast visitors and residents. Stage 1, a 13-kilometre dedicated light rail corridor connecting Griffith University and the Gold Coast University Hospital to Broadbeach, opened to the public in July 2014.

Stage 2 is a 7.3-kilometre connection from light rail to heavy rail, running from the current northern terminus at Gold Coast University Hospital to Helensvale railway station. It includes three stations, at Parkwood East, Parkwood and Helensvale (interchange hub between light and heavy rail), a new park ‘n’ ride facility at Parkwood station and expansion of the existing park ‘n’ ride facility at Helensvale railway station. The alignment includes creek crossings at Biggera Creek and Coombabah Creek. CPB Contractors have been awarded the detailed design and construction contract for the work. The construction time will facilitate a fully operational system by April 2018.

This is a high-profile, highly anticipated project which must be completed before the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Stage 2 will play an integral part of the Commonwealth Games transport network, supporting the movement of athletes and their families, team officials and volunteers. Trams will also carry spectators to a whole range of Commonwealth Games event venues.

This extension further develops an already successful public transport network, providing enhanced community liveability and connectivity. In the long term, it will ease congestion and improve accessibility that will become a catalyst for future urban investment and development in the region.

The Independent Verification services comprises the verification, review and certification of the design, construction, testing/commissioning and completion of the project works to ensure they are compliant with the Stage 2 Works Deed. The GHD SMEC JV will also deliver the Independent Certification services.