CPB Contractors together with Pacific Partnerships as part of the Canberra Metro consortium is delivering Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A, a project set to redefine how residents and visitors experience the heart of Canberra. A significant feature of this stage is a landscape-led design that enhances Canberra’s Bush Capital identity while creating a more sustainable and visually vibrant urban environment.
As part of this transformation, the project will deliver a specially designed green track system and will more than double the existing tree canopy along the alignment. Himalayan cedars, Pin oaks, Plane trees, and Japanese and Chinese elms have been selected to absorb rainwater, reduce noise and dust, and strengthen the character of the three project precincts - Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue.
A highlight of the project is Australia’s first planted green track: a bed of climate-suited grasses, succulents, and low-lying vegetation within which the light rail line will sit. This soft-ground approach helps the track blend seamlessly into its surroundings while reducing heat and glare.
To ensure durability and performance, our teams have developed a full green track prototype, testing plant varieties, turf mixes and irrigation systems in collaboration with local experts, including specialists at the National Arboretum. This work has informed the final design and will support long-term maintenance and resilience in Canberra’s unique climate.
CPB Contractors is helping bring the city's vision for a connected, green and enduring capital city to life - delivering sustainable, integrated transport infrastructure for future generations.