A prototype for a new type of light rail track made from grass and other low-lying plants as part of the Light Rail Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park project is now complete.
Located at the National Arboretum Canberra, the Green Track Prototype will inform the final green track design, construction, and maintenance approach to be used on Light Rail Stage 2A.
“Light rail 2A doesn’t just mean the introduction of mass transit through the CBD, the project will also see significant improvements to public spaces along the line,” said Minister for Transport, Chris Steel MLA.
“Three sections of green track and improved landscaping and road design are part of our vision for creating a high quality, sustainable streets in our city’s centre.
“Green tracks are areas where the light rail line sits within a bed of specially selected grass or plants instead of concrete. They counter the urban heat island effect, reduce glare, absorb more rainwater, and contribute to noise reduction.
“The prototype will grow and test the green track plantings at the Arboretum, with all of the supporting infrastructure required to simulate the environment where the future light rail track slab will be in the city.”
Along Northbourne Avenue, the final green track will be planted with a low-lying species and forms part of the overall landscape design of Northbourne Place.
Another green track will be located on London Circuit in front of the Melbourne Building and the planting will be mirrored in the median in front of the Sydney Building maintaining symmetry around the two heritage buildings.
A green track section will also feature on the Commonwealth Avenue median to maintain consistency along the highly significant avenue.
Minister Steel said this process ensures the suitability of the selected grass, groundcover, and tree species will flourish in all four seasons of Canberra’s climate.
“The construction of the 20-metre by 30-metre prototype includes sections of steel rail and the infrastructure required to support light rail track, such as concrete substructures and a vehicle location system,” he said.
“The prototype also includes supporting infrastructure that will be applied to the final project including retaining walls and other finishes.
“To make sure we’re getting the best outcomes for our city as part of this project we’ll test different turf mixes and irrigation systems by putting them through rigorous stress in different temperatures and soil types.
“I invite the community to head up to the National Arboretum to check out the prototype and catch a glimpse of what our future light rail tracks will look like along the City to Commonwealth Park alignment when it opens in 2028.”
