Managing construction impacts

A project of the size and scale of Gold Coast Light Rail cannot be built without some impact on the surrounding area. We recognise there are a number of educational and medical facilities, places of worship, businesses and residents located close to the project alignment, and we are committed to minimising the impacts of construction as much as possible.

This page outlines the various mitigation measures that will be implemented throughout the duration of the project, with an aim to reduce the effects of construction works on the local community and the environment.

Noise and vibration management

Noise

During construction, an increase in noise is normal and to be expected. Noise can be experienced differently by each person, with an acceptable level of noise for one person being unacceptable to another.

Where possible, the project team will minimise noise and vibration through a range of on-site mitigations such as:

  • Sequencing construction activities to reduce noise impacts (i.e., undertaking noisier activities earlier in the shift).
  • Placing machinery away from building facades, where practical.
  • Installing fencing around permanent worksites and using noise blankets to minimise sound.
  • Using high noise generating equipment behind barriers, screening and hoarding, where possible.
  • Providing pauses (respite periods) between high noise generating work.
  • Selecting machinery and plant most suited to the task and making sure it is properly maintained to reduce the potential for noise.
  • Adopting construction practices which emit lower noise, such as using prefabricated materials to reduce noise-generating work on site, where possible.
  • Regular noise monitoring during construction to ensure noise levels are within requirements.

We will undertake early and ongoing engagement with the local community to understand concerns about potential noise and to discuss mitigation measures.

Vibration

Some construction activities have the potential to generate levels of vibration that may be felt by nearby residents and businesses. Some of these activities include piling, compacting the ground during roadworks and demolition activities.

Assessments are underway to gain an indication of potential vibration levels for specific construction activities and if they are likely to impact residents and businesses.

Any potential impacts will be carefully considered in the construction process, and where required, we will make changes to our equipment and methods including strategic selection and choice of construction machinery and methodology to minimise vibration.

Air quality and dust management

Some project activities such as excavation and earthworks may generate dust. Our team will manage dust where it is generated (at the source) to ensure that air quality is maintained, by implementing mitigation measures such as:

  • Using water carts regularly within our construction sites to dampen soil and dirt and limit the raising of dust.
  • Using street sweepers to reduce dust regeneration.
  • Installing rumble grids at entry and exit points to the work site to limit the transfer of dirt and mud onto public roads.
  • Stabilising/sealing exposed surfaces, including excavated areas and access roads within site.
  • Covering vehicle loads in accordance with the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.
  • Monitoring the weather conditions and adjusting the work program as required to respond to dry or windy conditions.
  • Regularly assessing works sites to identify any areas that require additional environment controls.

Light spillage

Lighting towers are required on site during night works to ensure crews can safely operate plant, carry out construction activities, and for oncoming motorists and pedestrians to clearly identify worksites, traffic management personnel and detour/wayfinding signage.

To reduce light spill, the project team will work directly with crews on site to position lighting towers away from residential properties, where possible.

Environment

Flora and Fauna

We are working with specialists to identify, manage, relocate and protect flora and fauna within our construction footprint.

In some areas of the project, vegetation clearing will be required, we will work with relevant authorities to minimise the need for clearing.

Ecological investigations have been undertaken to identify and record animal habitats along the construction corridor. These assessments include desktop research to review past and present reports and databases, and an examination of the construction corridor by foot.

Any animal handling or relocation will be done by a qualified and licenced fauna spotter/catcher.

Cultural Heritage

The project team recognises the importance of conserving Indigenous, historical, shared and natural heritage. Site investigations have been undertaken to ensure preservation of sensitive heritage areas and artifacts and will continue throughout the duration of the project.

Road safety and traffic changes

The GCLR3 project is committed to improving safety for all road users, pedestrians, bike riders and workers.

During construction, there will be traffic changes on the Gold Coast Highway and some surrounding side streets, including road closures, lane closures, parking closures, changes to speed limits, and bus stop relocation/closures.

Some traffic changes will be temporary to allow construction works to occur, while some changes will be permanent.

Road safety

Staying safe is our number one priority, and we’ll be managing road safety by:

  • Setting up safe construction zones suitable for all road users.
  • Using signage and VMS boards to communicate changed traffic conditions for all road users.
  • Using reduced height fencing around some construction sites to improve driver and pedestrian sight lines.
  • Promoting the safe behaviour of our staff and contractors.
  • Delivering a safe public transport and road network for the Gold Coast.

Some ways that you can help to ensure the safety of road users, pedestrians, bike riders and workers include:

  • Paying attention to road signs and traffic management personnel near construction sites.
  • Planning your trip ahead.
  • Keeping an eye out for road workers.
  • Staying calm and being patient.
  • Considering an alternate route or alternative mode of transport.
  • Expecting the unexpected: traffic conditions are likely to change regularly.
  • Maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles on the road.
  • Ensuring you are in the correct lane and merge as soon as possible to avoid last minute lane changes.
  • Reporting anything you think is unsafe – call our 24/7 community hotline on 1800 312 600.

Remember, speed limits and road signs throughout the construction site are enforceable.

Traffic management

To reduce traffic impacts, the project team will:

  • Maintain through traffic on either side of the Gold Coast Highway during construction.
  • Stage work to avoid traffic impacts during peak times (school holidays and during major events).
  • Monitor and manage travel delay times on the Gold Coast Highway.
  • Coordinate monthly traffic management meetings between project partners and road authorities to manage overall impacts to the Gold Coast road network.

Pedestrians and bike riders

During construction, there will be temporary road, lane and footpath closures.

When closures are in place, signage and wayfinding will be installed with traffic management present to guide pedestrians and bike riders safely around construction.

Parking

To ensure work can be undertaken safely and to minimise the impact to the local community and visitors, short and long-term closures of on-street parking are required.

As major construction progresses, on-street parking along the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads will need to close.

Long-term closures of on-street parking will occur progressively from the second half of 2022 and will remain in place for the duration of construction.

Prior to any changes to parking, the project team will notify the surrounding businesses and community and engage with businesses to discuss loading zone requirements and offsets.

After construction and where space permits, some on-street parking will be reinstated permanently on the Gold Coast Highway. This is expected to occur progressively during testing and commissioning of the light rail vehicles.

Visit our parking map to find out more about where on-street parking will be reinstated after construction.

For more information, click here to read our parking factsheet.

Property condition surveys

Prior to major construction, property owners near the light rail alignment will have the opportunity to have the existing condition of their property assessed via a property condition survey.

Property condition surveys are routinely offered on major infrastructure projects to give property owners peace of mind before construction gets underway.

A property condition survey documents the condition of a property either prior to construction commencing or at a subsequent point in time. The report provides a reference should you believe your property has experienced any adverse effects from construction works.

Community engagement

The Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 Community and Stakeholder Engagement Team are working closely with the local community to deliver improved public transport outcomes for the area.

Community engagement is the most successful way to connect and interact with stakeholders and the community and includes:

  • Building strong relationships.
  • Working closely with affected property owners and stakeholders.
  • Providing updates well in advance of construction activities so you can plan ahead.
  • Responding to your enquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
  • Resolving problems.
  • Supporting local businesses by encouraging the wider project team to shop local and use local suppliers.

The community engagement team aims to increase public awareness by providing information about the project in several ways including:

  • Publishing regular information about the project and construction progress through newsletters, works notifications, advertisements, and website updates
  • Conducting regular briefings and door knocks to potentially impacted businesses, residents and community groups along the alignment.
  • Local community events and pop-ups.

Contact our dedicated community engagement team on 1800 312 600, or by submitting an enquiry.