The ACT Government is building a new type of light rail track made from grass and other low-lying plants as part of the City to Commonwealth Park project.
“Stage two of light rail is the biggest infrastructure project in the history of our city, and while we’re designing and building the new stages, we want to make sure we’re creating as many opportunities for green space along the alignment as possible,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.
“Green tracks are areas where the light rail line sits within a bed of specially selected grass or plants instead of concrete.
“They’re a really good solution to counter the urban heat island effect, reduce glare, absorb more rainwater, and contribute to noise reduction.
“The prototype will be tested and grown at the Arboretum and include all the supporting infrastructure required to simulate the environment where the future light rail track slab will be in the city.
“On 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 about the two heritage buildings.
“It’s also set to be featured on the Commonwealth Avenue median to maintain consistency along the highly significant avenue.”
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 section will also include installing sections of metal track and the infrastructure required to support light rail, such as concrete substructures and a vehicle location system.
Supporting infrastructure will also be required to ensure the structural integrity of the prototype, such as retaining walls and other finishes that will be applied to the final project, like cobble stones.
“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,” said Minister Steel.
“The location is also publicly accessible, just south of the Village Centre near Forest Drive at the Arboretum, allowing the community to preview the design before Light Rail Stage 2A construction begins.”
The prototype will inform the final green track design, construction, and maintenance approach to be used on Light Rail Stage 2A.
Work is expected to start in September 2023 and be finished in December 2023. This will then be followed by a 12-month monitoring period.
