Light at the end of the stage 2

LIGHT rail stage two is on track to take its first passengers in the next six months, with mostly fine weather allowing construction to power ahead.

All three station structures are in place for the 7.3km extension, with the distinctive orange canopies being installed this week. After starting in March, track construction is 90 per cent complete with workers finishing off rail welding and placing sections of the rocky ballast between the stations.

A train-wheeled truck can be seen spreading the ballast along the track, followed by a “tamper” machine which pushes steel claws deep into the rocks to lock them into place.

The tracks and their line markings have snaked their way across most of the key suburban intersections and are making their way out of the tunnel at Gold Coast University Hospital.

Works to install overhead line equipment are continuing with tram testing to commence in coming months ahead of the system opening in early 2018.

Groundwork for two additional stations has been built, including utilities and other infrastructure to allow new platforms to be easily plugged in when demand requires.

A new 1000-space carpark at Parkwood station is well under

way and 400 spaces will be created at Helensvale station.

That station terminal continues to grow across the tracks from the heavy rail building, which will be linked to the new system with an overpass.

Workers laying tracks at the Gold Coast University Hospital station to link the light rail extension to the existing line.

A newly completed section of the light rail line in Helensvale.

Pictures: RICHARD GOSLING

Track crossing the intersection at Olsen Ave and Parklands Dr.

The new station where light and heavy rail lines meet in Helensvale.

Orange sails are attached to the new Parkwood East light rail stop.