Easy does it in tram test

None were found on the first test, which saw tram number 7 move from GCUH to the second station at Parkwood, about half way along the new 7.3 kilometre track, and back twice during the night.

Starting slowly and increasing to operational maximum speed of 70km/h over coming weeks, the testing will continue at night through the rest of the year ahead of the arrival of four new stage-two trams.

While the tracks themselves are being tested, CCTV sys- tems are live and parallel systems like tram locators, communications and noticeboards will also be put through their paces ahead of being connected to the existing network.

Residents will start to hear the trams and announcements at the new stations as testing intensifies.

They’ve been warned the section remains a construction site and that the overhead wires are live, carrying 750 volts, and should be treated as such.

GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mum- ford said the tram testing was not only important for the project team and specialist engineers involved in construction, but also for the community.

“During the tram-testing phase, locals will hear trams on the stage two tracks for the very first time,” he said.

“During this time, stage two communication systems are also tested in isolation before being connected into the existing operations centre.

“Each connection occurs outside of operating hours to ensure the transition occurs smoothly, but these are complex systems and we are doing everything we can to ensure that there is no impact on stage one operations.”

Mr Mumford said drivers should be aware tracks are for trams and to obey the road rules at all times.

“Although trams will be on the new stage two tracks for the next few months, it’s important to remember the entire stage two alignment will remain a construction zone until testing and commissioning is complete,” he said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said stage two, between Parkwood and Helensvale, remained on track to take passengers before the Commonwealth Games.

“Last weekend, we saw the energisation process completed and we’ll now have a rigorous program of testing to ensure that the light rail system operates safely before commencing passenger services,” she said.