SIGNIFICANT construction of the $420 million Gold Coast light rail’s second stage will begin next month.

Fencing will go and up and vegetation will be cleared between Helensvale and Griffith University as the bulldozers move in to create the 7.3km route

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe will today announce the beginning of works, which take around a year, followed by testing of the track in late 2017.

media_camera GoldLinq CEO Phil Mumford at Gold Coast University Hospital Station, ready to build the new extension. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The extension, which will connect the heavy and light rails together, will be operational ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

GoldLinQ CEO Phil Mumford said the program of works would begin immediately.

“Relocation of underground services and civil construction including earth works will be underway in coming months along with construction of bridges and other infrastructure required for this vital transport link,” he said.

media_camera Minister for Transport and Commonwealth Games Stirling Hinchliffe. Picture: Tim Marsden

“During construction every effort will be taken to minimise disruption and to keep the community up-to-date on activities.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the work would move quickly.

“Construction will continue into 2017 with testing to occur in the second half of next year to ensure there will be trams carrying passengers to and from Helensvale before the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games starting in April,” he said.

Stage 2 will include three new light rail stations at Parkwood East, Parkwood and Helensvale, which will be built next to the existing heavy rail station.

An extra 1400 park-n-ride carparks at the Helensvale and Parkwood stations.