HighwayH grind as tram Stage 3 breaks ground

STAGE 3 of the Gold Coast light rail will break ground on Saturday, with state leaders promising hundreds of new jobs and calling it a “significant step” toward its expected completion in 2025.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey has issued a warning to drivers, urging them to remain patient while works are underway.

Major traffic changes will take place on the Gold Coast Hwy “to relocate and upgrade major water main, sewer and gas infrastructure”, according to a Queensland Government statement.

The works will include upgrades to the Southport depot and essential underground services in Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach.

The $1.2 billion, jointly-funded third stage of the Gold Coast light rail will take commuters a further 6.7 kilometres from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.

A further eight stops will be introduced along the route.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said breaking ground on Stage 3 was “an exciting milestone which will support 760 local jobs”.

“If any of the previous stages are to go by, 90 per cent of workers came from the Gold Coast and surrounding regions,” she said.

“When complete, light rail Stage 3 will connect 27km of the Gold Coast to reliable and accessible public transport all the way from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads.”

The Premier reiterated light rail had been an “essential part” of the delivery of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and would play an even “more important role” in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Mr Bailey promised less headaches for visitors to bustling Burleigh Heads.

“Never again will you need to fight for a car park on Burleigh Hill when you and your surfboard can be dropped off at the surf club,” he said.

But he warned of changing traffic conditions and said the Gold Coast Hwy would “look a little different”.

“I appreciate the patience of drivers as we deliver this important project,” he said.