The G:link light rail network opened on the weekend, celebrating with a free day of travel on Sunday 20 July 2014 and paid services beginning on 21 July 2014. The Gold Coast has been buzzing with the introduction of the much needed $1.2 billion dollar project, which boasts a 13 kilometre route spanning from the Gold Coast University Hospital to Broadbeach South. We are lucky enough to have one of the sixteen G:link stations situated only a stones throw from our Varsity Lakes office!

Pay attention to the road rules

The G:link is expected to assist in reducing congestion on our Gold Coast roads, however, there have also unfortunately been a number of incidents involving motor vehicles since testing began on our roads several months ago.

Now that the G:link is up and running more frequently, and with passengers, it is important for motorists to become better informed about how the new light rail affects us on the road.

While there have been no changes to road rules with the introduction of the G:link, our new light rail does have the capacity to travel at speeds reaching 70 kilometres an hour, averaging around 23 kilometres an hour, and also travels through some of the busiest areas of the Gold Coast.

How to stay safe

With this in mind, we have put together some helpful reminders for all motorists and pedestrians, to ensure any further incidents are kept to a minimum:-

  • Obey all road rules;
  • Pay attention to road signs and signals;
  • Don’t queue over the light rail tracks;
  • Only cross over light rail tracks when it is safe to do so;
  • Look out for road markings;
  • Always cross at designated pedestrian crossings;
  • Be aware of your environment;
  • Remember that trams have right of way – if you see a tram, give way to it.

While motorists are still adjusting to the G:link, the launch has been quite successful; with many commuters taking advantage of this new service. Future proposals for the line include extending the light rail as far north as Helensvale and as far south as the Coolangatta Airport. With such significant extensions to the G:link being proposed, and likely carried out in the future, it will be imperative for motorists to stay vigilant – particularly with the ongoing construction involved in expanding the light rail and associated changes to our local roads.

For more safety information concerning the G:link, check out the Staying Safe with Trams video launched by GoldLinQ.

Turner Freeman Lawyers Gold Coast office

Turner Freeman Lawyers’ Gold Coast office is conveniently located at:

Level 4, 1 Lake Orr Drive, Varsity Lakes and is managed by Partner, Ciaran Ehrich. For more information on the services offered at our Gold Coast office, contact Ciaran on 5571 4111.

Our legal services in our Gold Coast office include:

Read more on our No Win No Fee policy.