Canberrans can view the prototype at the National Arboretum and see how future light rail tracks will look.
04 January 2024
A prototype for a new type of light rail track made from grass and other low-lying plants is now complete.
Part of the Light Rail Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park project, the prototype is available for Canberrans to view at the National Arboretum.
The green track prototype will inform the final green track design, construction and maintenance approach to be used on Light Rail Stage 2A.
The ACT Government’s vision for Stage 2A includes three sections of green track, along with improved landscaping and road design.
This will help create high-quality, sustainable streets in Canberra’s city centre.
On a green track, the light rail line sits within a bed of specially selected grass or plants instead of concrete.
This helps counter the urban heat island effect and reduces glare, absorbs more rainwater and contributes to noise reduction.
The prototype will grow and test the green track plantings at the Arboretum, to simulate the environment where the future light rail track slab will be in the city.
The light rail track prototype is being used to test various features, and over the course of the year, as it establishes and matures, will provide insights into the best landscaping treatment for the project.
The trees slated for installation during Stage 2A construction are currently being grown on, and will be larger than those in the prototype currently, being closer to 8 metres tall at the time of their planting on Commonwealth Avenue.
Along Northbourne Avenue, the final green track will be planted with a low-lying species.
It will contribute to the overall landscape design of Northbourne Place.
Another green track will be located on London Circuit in front of the Melbourne Building.
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.
The prototype process ensures the selected grass, groundcover and tree species will flourish year-round in Canberra’s climate.
Different turf mixes and irrigation systems will be tested through rigorous stress in different temperatures and soil types.
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.
The prototype also includes supporting infrastructure that will be applied to the final project including retaining walls and other finishes.
Canberrans can view the prototype at the National Arboretum to see how future light rail tracks will look along the City to Commonwealth Park alignment when it opens in 2028.
If you're heading to the Arboretum to see the prototype, the best place to park is in the main car park near the Village Centre and walk through past the Gallery of Gardens.
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