BACK TO RESULTSACT Light Rail - Stage Two
PIPELINE
STATUS
Prospective pipeline
Credibly proposed
Announced
Under procurement
Preferred bidder announced
Recently closed
ACT Light Rail Stage 2B – Commonwealth Park to Woden
Prospective pipeline
Greenfield (construction) or brownfield (government asset divestment) projects needed or likely to occur within the next five years, but is not formally proposed by a state, territory or major local government.
Credibly proposed
The project or divestment is supported by a state, territory or major local government, is subject to studies or other processes (such as pre-feasibility or scoping studies or business case development), and is likely to proceed to formal announcement.
Announced
The project has a firm commitment and timeline from a state, territory or major local government, but has not yet entered the market.
Under procurement
The project or transaction is under procurement (such as a call for Expressions of Interest, requests for tender, or another offer to the market).
Preferred bidder announced
A preferred bidder has been selected and is in exclusive negotiations.
Recently closed
Projects that have progressed to contractual close remain on ANZIP for 12 months.
ANZIP is focused only on major infrastructure activity, above the following thresholds:
Australia
Construction projects: > AUD$300m
Investable greenfield & brownfield: > AUD$100m
New Zealand
All greenfield and brownfield projects and divestments: > NZD $100 million
Project scope
ACT Light Rail Stage Two is a light rail (tram) project that will run from the Canberra CBD to Woden, via the Parliamentary Triangle. This will provide an extension to Stage One, which runs from the Canberra CBD to Gungahlin in the northern suburbs.
The line will be 10.7 kilometres long, with 12 new stops along the route.
Due to the significant planning approval process required to construct light rail through the Parliamentary Triangle, Stage Two has been split into two stages:
- Stage 2A: CBD to Commonwealth Park (1.7 km)
- Stage 2B: Commonwealth Park to Woden (9km) – including the Parliamentary Triangle
Key Dates
2021: Stage 2A Expected contract award
2021-22: Stage 2A Expected construction commencement
2024: Stage 2A Expected construction completion
Procurement
It is likely that sole contract negotiations will be undertaken with Canberra Metro, the builder and operator of Light Rail Stage One.
Canberra Metro are a consortium consisting of Pacific Partnerships, CPB Contractors, John Holland, UGL, Mitsubishi Corporation, Aberdeen Infrastructure Investments, DB Engineering & Consulting (formerly Deutsche Bahn International), CAF, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Ltd (MUFG).
Canberra Metro will operate the Light Rail Stage One network for 20 years under a private public partnership agreement with the ACT Government.
Funding
The ACT Government anticipates project cost to be in the region of $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion.
Federal Government:
The Federal Government is awaiting assessment of the project business case before allocating funding.
ACT Government:
The 2019-20 ACT Budget allocated $49.4 million towards the project over the forward estimates.
The 2018-19 ACT Budget allocated $12.5 million towards progressing detailed planning and design.
In the 2020 ACT Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan, the ACT Government allocated $24 million over 2020-21, with provisions for another $312 million over the following three years for design and construction of Stage Two.
The 2020-21 ACT Budget allocated $29 million toward the ACT Light Rail Stage Two, as well as $1.3 million to assess the feasibility of extending the line from Woden to Mawson. Additional funding is expected to be provided under the $1.7 billion Infrastructure Investment Provisions package of the Budget, however, it has not been allocated due to unsettled details.
Project history
Feb 2021: The 2020-21 ACT Budget allocated $29 million toward the ACT Light Rail Stage Two with provisions for additional funding. $1.3 million was also provided to assess the feasibility of extending the line from Woden to Mawson.
Feb 2021: The Federal Government granted environmental approval to commence work on Stage 2A.
Aug 2020: In the 2020 ACT Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan, the ACT Government allocated $24 million over 2020-21, with provisions for another $312 million over the following three years for design and construction of Stage Two.
Sep 2019: ACT Government endorses the business case for Stage 2A
Aug 2019: Business consultation process to be undertaken
Jul 2019: Planning approval for Stage Two is split in two to better deal with complex planning approval through the parliamentary triangle.
2019: 2019-20 ACT Budget allocates $49.4 million to the project
2018: 2018-19 ACT Budget allocates $12.5 million to the project
2018: Preferred route announced (City-Parkes-Barton-Adelaide Ave-Woden).
2017: Four potential routes identified for Stage Two.
2016: ACT election commitment to extend the light rail through to Woden
2015: ACT Light Rail Master Plan released, which includes Stage One and Stage Two among other future rail corridors.
Further Information
In May 2018, the Federal Government Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories commenced an inquiry into the Commonwealth and Parliamentary approvals for Stage Two. The Inquiry looked at possible impacts by the light rail line on the Parliamentary Zone and precincts and its consistency with the National Capital Plan. Through the inquiry the ACT Government reiterated its preference for route option 2A, which would cross Lake Burley Griffin via Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, and stated it would be unlikely to invest in the project if the Committee were to recommend the route should use the Kings Avenue Bridge instead. This route is only partially consistent with that defined in the National Capital Plan.
The Joint Standing Committee handed down its report in October 2018, recommending that the ACT Government work with the National Capital Authority (NCA) to ensure Commonwealth approval by way of amending the National Capital Plan. The Committee also recommended that Parliament require light rail lines to be wire-free in the Parliamentary triangle and on a number of roads in adjoining precincts. The ACT Government has subsequently said it will work with the NCA on any possible changes to the National Capital Plan, while continuing to pursue it's preferred route, option 2A.
In July 2019, the ACT Government split the planning approval process in order to deal with the complex issues in the Parliamentary Triangle identified by the Joint Standing Committee. The ACT Government plans to fast track approval of the initial extension of the line from the CBD to Commonwealth Park, while allowing more time more time for approval of the stage from Commonwealth Park to Woden.
In September 2019, the ACT government endorsed the business case for the City to Commonwealth Park light rail line (Stage 2A), introducing three new stops over a 1.7 kilometre extension.
Last reviewed: 12/02/2021
PIPELINE
STATUS
Prospective pipeline
Credibly proposed
Announced
Under procurement
Preferred bidder announced
Recently closed
Project Scope
ACT Light Rail Stage Two is a light rail (tram) project that will run from the Canberra CBD to Woden via the Parliamentary Triangle. The line will be 10.7 kilometres long, with 12 new stops along the route.
Due to the significant planning approval process required to construct light rail through the Parliamentary Triangle, Stage Two has been split into Stage 2A and Stage 2B. This project page relates to Stage 2A.
Stage 2A: CBD to Commonwealth Park (1.7 km) includes:
- three light rail stops at City West, City South, and Commonwealth Park
- expansion of Mitchel depot to stable and maintain additional trams
- a new bridge over Parkes Way, and
- raising London Circuit to the same level as Commonwealth Avenue
- four new light rail vehicles
- wire-free track design
- power supply and transmission, and
- traffic signalling, road improvements and tree plantings.
Key Dates
2021: Stage 2A Expected contract award
2021-22: Stage 2A Expected construction commencement
2024: Stage 2A Expected operational commencement
Procurement
Stage 2A contract negotiations have commenced with Canberra Metro, the builder and operator of Light Rail Stage 1.
Funding
No specific cost estimates, or funding have yet been provided for Stage 2A.
Federal Government:
The Federal Government is awaiting assessment of the project business case before allocating funding.
ACT Government:
The 2019-20 ACT Budget allocated $49.4 million towards the (entire Stage Two) project over the forward estimates.
The 2018-19 ACT Budget allocated $12.5 million towards progressing detailed planning and design (for entire Stage Two).
In the 2020 ACT Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan, the ACT Government allocated $24 million over 2020-21, with provisions for another $312 million over the following three years for design and construction of Stage Two.
The 2020-21 ACT Budget allocated $29 million toward the ACT Light Rail Stage Two, as well as $1.3 million to assess the feasibility of extending the line from Woden to Mawson. Additional funding is expected to be provided under the $1.7 billion Infrastructure Investment Provisions package of the Budget following commercial negotiations.
The ACT Government anticipates (the entire Stage Two) project cost to be in the region of $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion.
Project History
Feb 2021: The 2020-21 ACT Budget allocated $29 million toward the ACT Light Rail Stage Two with provisions for additional funding. $1.3 million was also provided to assess the feasibility of extending the line from Woden to Mawson.
Feb 2021: The Federal Government granted environmental approval to commence work on Stage 2A.
Aug 2020: In the 2020 ACT Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan, the ACT Government allocated $24 million over 2020-21, with provisions for another $312 million over the following three years for design and construction of Stage Two.
Aug 2020: ACT Government called for public feedback to Preliminary Documentation responding to requirements under Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
Feb 2020: The ACT Government announced that the Stage 2A Light Rail extension will include 1.7 kilometres of wire-free track from the Alinga Street station, along London Circuit and onto Commonwealth Avenue, finishing at Commonwealth Park. New and existing light rail vehicles will be fitted with energy storage and regenerative braking.
Jul 2019: Planning approval for Stage Two is split in two to better deal with complex planning approval through the parliamentary triangle.
Aug 2019: Business consultation process to be undertaken
Sep 2019: ACT Government endorses the business case for Stage 2A.
Further Information
In July 2019, the ACT Government split the planning approval process in order to deal with the complex issues in the Parliamentary triangle identified by the Joint Standing Committee. The ACT Government plan to fast track approval of the initial extension of the line from the CBD to Commonwealth Park, while allowing more time more time for approval of the stage from Commonwealth Park to Woden.
In September 2019, the ACT Government endorsed the business case for the City to Commonwealth Park light rail line (Stage 2A), introducing three new stops over a 1.7 kilometre extension.
Last reviewed: 12/02/2021
PIPELINE
STATUS
Prospective pipeline
Credibly proposed
Announced
Under procurement
Preferred bidder announced
Recently closed
Project scope
ACT Light Rail Stage Two is a light rail (tram) project that will run from the Canberra CBD to Woden via the Parliamentary Triangle.
The line will be 10.7 kilometres long, with 12 new stops along the route.
Due to the significant planning approval process required to construct light rail through the Parliamentary Triangle, Stage Two has been split into Stage 2A and Stage 2B. This project page relates to Stage 2B:
Stage 2B: Commonwealth Park to Woden (9 kilometres), including:
- nine light rail stops
- a new bridge over Lake Burley Griffin
- new bridges over intersecting roadways
- new pedestrian bridges, and
- wire-free running (no overhead wires) through the Parliamentary Triangle
Procurement
Stage 2B procurement will commence after the ACT Government obtains planning approval and full funding.
It is expected that contract negotiation will be undertaken with Canberra Metro, the builder and operator of Light Rail Stage One.
Funding
No specific cost estimates, or funding have yet been provided for Stage 2B.
Federal Government:
The Federal Government is awaiting assessment of the project business case before allocating funding.
ACT Government:
The 2019-20 ACT Budget allocated $49.4 million towards the (entire Stage Two) project over the forward estimates.
The 2018-19 ACT Budget allocated $12.5 million towards progressing detailed planning and design (for entire Stage Two).
In the 2020 ACT Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan, the ACT Government allocated $24 million over 2020-21, with provisions for another $312 million over the following three years for design and construction of Stage Two.
The 2020-21 ACT Budget allocated $29 million toward the ACT Light Rail Stage Two, as well as $1.3 million to assess the feasibility of extending the line from Woden to Mawson. Additional funding is expected to be provided under the $1.7 billion Infrastructure Investment Provisions package of the Budget following commercial negotiations.
The ACT Government anticipates (the entire Stage 2) project cost to be in the region of $1.3 billion to $1.6 billion.
Project History
Feb 2021: The 2020-21 ACT Budget allocated $29 million toward the ACT Light Rail Stage Two with provisions for additional funding. $1.3 million was also provided to assess the feasibility of extending the line from Woden to Mawson.
Aug 2020: In the 2020 ACT Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan, the ACT Government allocated $24 million over 2020-21, with provisions for another $312 million over the following three years for design and construction of Stage Two
Jul 2019: Planning approval for Stage Two is split in two to better deal with complex planning approval through the Parliamentary Triangle
2019: 2019-2020 ACT Budget allocates $49.4 million to the project
2018: 2018-2019 ACT Budget allocates $12.5 million to the project
2018: Preferred route announced (City-Parkes-Barton-Adelaide Ave-Woden)
2017: Four potential routes identified for Stage Two
2016: ACT election commitment to extend the light rail through to Woden
2015: ACT Light Rail Master Plan released, which includes Stage One and Stage Two among other future rail corridors
Last reviewed: 12/02/2021
