- First tram travels on Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 tracks as testing gets underway between Broadbeach and Miami North stations.
- A safety campaign has also been launched to remind the community how to stay safe around trams, tracks, and overhead wires.
- Finishing works are also continuing along the new section of tracks between Broadbeach and Miami.
The first tram successfully travelled on the new tracks in the northern section of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project last night, marking a significant step towards delivering the new line from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.
This trial run was undertaken in readiness for commencement of controlled night-time testing at the end of this month, with the tram travelling on the line between Broadbeach South and Miami North stations.
This milestone follows critical readiness activities, including the installation and energisation of overhead wires and traction power systems and rigorous testing of signalling, communications, and control systems.
The testing phase involves tram drivers conducting controlled movements along the tracks at night between 8pm and 4am from 26 November through to 18 December, with up to two trams to be used during the process.
Testing will focus on verifying the performance of key systems, including signalling, communications and station operations to ensure the extension is safe, reliable and ready for passenger services.
While tram testing is underway in the northern section between Broadbeach and Miami, finishing works are also ongoing along this section, including intersections and pedestrian crossings, footpath installations, landscaping and park upgrades.
Between Miami and Burleigh Heads, work continues to progress track installation, pavement works and landscaping. Testing on this section of the new line is scheduled to begin in the first half of next year ahead of passenger services opening along the full line between Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.
Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads Sam O'Connor said the Crisafulli Government was committed to working with communities and all levels of government to deliver reliable, safe, accessible, and affordable public transport.
"We're closer than ever to having the first new light rail opened in our city since 2017 and this testing ensures the safety of everyone who will use or interact with light rail - whether they're drivers, cyclists, mobility device riders or pedestrians," Acting Minister O'Connor said.
"Thank you to our Gold Coast community for your ongoing patience as we work to deliver this vital project, which will transform how people move around our city."
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate called it an historic time for the city's public transport network.
"I have consistently said this latest 6.7-kilometre section will prove the most popular as residents and visitors embrace light rail transport," Mayor Tate said.
"The uplift in patronage will surpass all expectations and I can't wait to see the benefits this project will bring to locals and tourists alike."
GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mumford said it was an exciting moment for residents in the northern part of the Stage 3 project.
"Residents who will no doubt be pleased to see trams on tracks between now and Christmas," Mr Mumford said.
"I would like to thank the community for their patience during Stage 3 works from Broadbeach to Burleigh. I would also like to thank our team and all our partners for the work done to date.
"This is just the start of testing, which will continue until the system opens for passengers next year. Overhead lines in the northern section are now live, and we ask members of the community to please keep a safe distance.
"Trams are not available for public use during testing, so please stay clear of the tracks."
