Cost of extension to blow out by $55m

THE third stage extension of light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh will blow out by $55 million by the time it is finished between 2020 and 2023, according to a new report.

Covering 6.4km and including eight new stations, the first part of stage three was costed at almost $616 million “in 2017 dollars” but ultimately would cost $670.5 million.

Based on preliminary engineering designs, the cost estimate has a “50 per cent chance of not being exceeded”.

The first stage of light rail between Broadbeach and Parklands, with 16 stations and covering 13km, cost $949 million. Light rail stage two between Parklands to Helensvale cost $420 million and covered 7.3km, including three stations.

Costings for the Stage 3A to Burleigh project show it will include up to five new light rail vehicles and additional stabling for seven trams. A 1.5km retaining wall will need to be built, along with 12km of upgraded pedestrian pathways, 16 new signalised pedestrian crossings and three new signalised traffic intersections.

The report confirms the proposed route is the central median strip of the Gold Coast Highway with the main Burleigh Heads station to be located west of Connor Street, an option supported by 63 per cent of residents surveyed.

The report says survey results from community consultation in June this year shows “significant support in the community to continue extending the light rail”.

Further planning for Stage 3B, from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via the airport, will continue but “consultation to support this planning work is not expected to occur before 2019”.